Swamp sees Partisans at their very best; unabashed raw emotion mixed with a truly consummate collective sound and interplay that can only be developed when a group has this much history. In a world where so-called ‘bands’ come and go with the changing seasons, it’s becoming even more vital for music such as this to get recorded and heard.
Press Highlights
“This heavyweight jazz quartet continues to carve its own niche, with an eclectic jazz mix.”
5 Stars, BBC Music Magazine
“If springing surprises were the whole of Partisans’ magic, it would quickly wear off. In fact it springs up joyously in each piece, because the musical fundamentals are so strong. Phil Robson’s inventiveness on the guitar is unstoppable, and the band’s melodies have a gripping shape and direction. Partisans have been together for nearly two decades, and on the evidence of this album could easily run for two more.”
4 star review of CD launch gig, The Telegraph
“Their edgy, energised sound and creative and
imaginative improvisations have been a major influence on
the UK’s burgeoning “prog-jazz” scene, and their palpable
sense of collective engagement in the music never wavers.”
4 stars, The Scotsman
“It’s not always easy to find the words to describe just how good this group is. They’ve been one of my favourite bands for such a long time and their music never fails to delight. Like its predecessors “Swamp” is instantly accessible but will doubtless continue reveal fresh insights with every subsequent listening.”
thejazzmann.com
“Their sound artfully straddles the boundary between acoustic and electric music, equally capable of digging into a dirty funk groove or soaring to freer, post-bop altitudes.
4 Stars, Irish Times
“An incredibly exciting and uplifting album.”
iDrum Magazine
“Partisans can rightfully be cited as the godfathers of the new wave of Brit jazz, who, since their formation in 1996 have always embraced Coltrane, electric Miles, and Hendrix in equal measure.”
Jazzwise Magazine Feature
“Reaffirms their standing as one of the most rewarding bands anywhere.”
London Jazz News
“When it comes down to it, this is just a band that loves playing; and this is an album you’ll love listening to.”
4 Stars, Jazzwise Magazine
“These pieces, closely focused and intricately woven, are masterpieces of detailed performance.”
4 Stars, The Arts Desk
“A very accomplished album with some world class ensemble playing throughout.”
4 Stars, Marlbank
“An eclectic treat. This is an album to get swept up and along in—filmic, rhythmic and inventive throughout it rarely settles for the obvious, expected path and it repays concentrated listening with countless new discoveries.”
4 Stars, All About Jazz
“Swamp sees Robson, saxophonist, Julian Siegel, bassist Thaddeus Kelly and drummer Gene Calderazzo build on their 20-plus years as bandmates to produce a fantastically coherent and broad-ranging album. Swamp swings, grooves, rocks and broods… A standout album from a band who continue to make a huge impression on the jazz scene both at home and abroad.”
Jazz UK
Recommended new release
Drummer Magazine