Album review: Chris Hodgkins Quartet: Boswell's London Journal

JAZZCHRIS HODGKINS QUARTET Boswell's London Journal**** Bell 513, £13.70

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Oct 2009, 01:00 BST

James Boswell, the celebrated biographer of early essayist and lexicographer Samuel Johnson, is not an obvious choice of subject for a jazz suite, but the English trumpeter Chris Hodgkins and his co-composer (and arranger) Eddie Harvey pull one off in style. This enjoyable, witty and swinging album comprises 15 catchy compositions and some terrific ensemble playing from the mellow horn of Hodgkins, plus Diane McLoughlin (alto sax), Matt Brittain (guitar) and Alison Rayner (bass).

Download this: The Machine, King's Birth Night