'THE LEADER'S CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ACCOMPLISHED -
MATCHED BY HIS SIDEMEN - AN ENJOYABLE LISTEN,OFTEN
DUE TO PAGE'S CATCHY MELODIES'
Jazz Journal
'FANTASTIC !'
Terry Rawlings - acclaimed film editor of many blockbuster movies including :
Alien,Chariots of fire and Blade runner.
'A CRACKING ALBUM !'
Bruce Adams - British Jazz Awards winner 2000,2006,2008,2011.
'The Isle of Wight Suite' is a collection of twelve compositions that
I wrote dedicated to some of my favourite locations on the Island.
The CD features myself on Guitar,Gary Plumley on Flutes and
Saxophones,Jim Thorn on Piano,Jon Thorne on Double Bass and
Ken Black on Drums.
You can get a copy of the CD by sending me a cheque for £12.99
(this includes P&P) Just email me from the 'Contact' page on this
website and I'll send you my address.
The Stories behind the Isle of Wight Suite.
(1) The Cowes Samba
Cowes was the first place that we saw on the Island,and I've tried
to capture the excitement of arriving on the ferry during the regatta.
(2) Autumn in Ryde
We spent a wonderful Autumn day wandering around the shops
and along the seafront in Ryde.The weather was glorious,but we
felt slightly melancholy as it was the last day of our holiday.
I'm sure you know the feeling ! Gary Plumley catches the mood
perfectly on alto flute.
(3) Ventnor (All That My Heart Desire's)
After coming on holiday to the Island for 18 years we were
eventually lucky enough to be able to move here.We chose Ventnor
and I hope the title explains why.
(4) A Freshwater Breeze
We changed our crossing to the Lymington to Yarmouth
route.Whilst waiting to disembark at Yarmouth,some considerate
soul started their car far too early and we couldn't wait to get
a breath of fresh air.We stopped at Freshwater Bay,and as we
stood on the beach we were instantly revived by the beautiful
sea breeze. Jim Thorn does a splendid job here setting the
scene in an out of tempo introduction.
(5) The Spyglass (Till You Are Here)
It was while we were staying in Flat 1 of the Spyglass that we
both decided that we wanted to live in Ventnor.I was waiting
for Inma at The Spy one day,when I wrote the first few bars
of this tune.The last part of the lyrics are :
'Till you are here,where the waves never cease
Breaking as heart's break,craving peace
And like the waves ever restless I'll be
Till you are here with me.'
(6) Newport Blues
Driving home from a Jam session in Newport late one night
Ken Black and I saw lots of smiling people milling around the
pubs and clubs.I've tried to capture the excitement of a
'night on the town'.
(7) Sandown Summer Blue
One of our favourite walks is to Sandown via Shanklin's Hope Beach.
This is a snapshot of one of those perfect Summer days - not a
cloud in the sky,not a care in the World !
(8) Shanklin Rhythm
We had many happy holidays in Shanklin,and would often go
to Rylestone Park in the evening to listen to the Brass bands.
Ken Black is excellent here - switching from the marching
rhythm introduction to a great swing feel for the melody.
(9) Seaview (Every Minute of The Day)
My late Father Loved the Island,and whenever he came he had
only two requests : a game of miniature golf at Puckpool,and a
visit to Seaview.Someone asked me if I still missed him and
I replied 'Every minute of the day',which gave me the title.
If you listen you'll hear it in the first line of the melody.
(10) Beware The Needles!
The most iconic view of the Island must surely be The Needles.
They are a sobering reminder of what jagged dangers lie
beneath the waves.Thousands of lives have been lost on this
most treacherous of coastlines.The piece begins with an
improvised solo from our great Double Bass player Jon Thorne.
He soon states an ominous warning that reoccurs throughout the
piece.Gary and I take over with a much more optimistic
melody - picture this in your mind's eye,if you would - the Sun is
out,the Sky is clear,the sea is calm.All seems well,but Jon repeats
his ominous warning.Gary and I return again,lulling the unwary
mariner into a false sense of security,when,suddenly,from out of
nowhere,a storm begins.It rises and rages,but before it can
reach it's climax,it just as suddenly disappears.Gary and I repeat
our reassuring refrain,but the piece ends,as it began,with
Jon Thorne's ominous warning - 'Beware The Needles!'
(11) Godshill (For Evermore)
I got the first few bars of this melody wandering around
outside Godshill Church.I've tried to capture the timeless
quality of the place.
(12) Yarmouth Ahoy!
We really don't like leaving the Island,but sometimes have to.
This samba captures the joy that we feel every time Yarmouth
hoves into view.
I hope that you enjoy 'The Isle of Wight Suite' - my humble
Love song to this beautiful Island.
Thank you for reading !
Kind regards,
Nick Page.
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