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Sourpuss part 1 & 2 (Robson)/ The Missing Link (Siegel) S.G. (Siegel)/ Trap Lines (Robson)/ Nit de Nit (problems with language) (Robson)/ Passacaglia (Siegel)/ Pearly Gates (Robson)/ Anniversary (Siegel)/ Visiting Trumpton (Robson)

Julian Siegel - Tenor & Soprano Sax, Clarinet & Bass Clarinet. Percussion; Phil Robson - guitars; Gene Calderazzo - drums;Thaddeus Kelly - bass

"Marrying Hendrix-style freak-ours to high-end jazz arrangements, "Sourpuss" is a creative trawl through funky "Bitches Brew" era jazz-rock. But with a London swagger all of its own." (Carina Prange, Jazzdimensions (Germany)

This high energy, hard grooving band has been together since 1993 and has undertaken several tours within the UK as well as recent festivals in Vienna and Hungary. Whilst their music is experimental it remains strongly melodic and accessible. "A rousing, wholly enjoyable but clearly considered album" (Chris Parker, BBC Music Magazine)

The consistency of line-up and commitment of the band members has given a cohesion and empathy which is enviable. Despite increasing demands elsewhere, it is still to Partisans that they all feel the closest bond. Building on the tradition of John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Julian Siegel and Phil Robson are names to watch. (Wolf Kampmann, Jazzthetik (Germany), May 2001)

Partisans clearly takes into the 21st century the strength of the British jazz rock scene evolved around not just McLaughlin but also with Robert Wyatt and Soft Machine in the early 70s. All the musicians confirm their awareness of that past but also the diversity which is the hallmark of London life in 2000. For example, the track Pearly Gates has a strong Caribbean tinge, while the use of African percussion in Nit de Nit preludes the power of the main part of that track. Melody abounds within the set. For example on Visiting Trumpton and the confirmatory track Anniversary. The musicians are able to vary their use of instruments throughout. Thad Kelly between acoustic and electric bass, Phil occasionally moving away from electric to acoustic guitar (such as on Traplines).

The cover image is from a painting by Gee Vaucher, who was a member of iconic anarchist punk band, CRASS. She also designed the sleeve.

"A furiously bright inventive CD by the brilliant London-based group." (Mojo, May 2001)

"Partisans held a packed audience spellbound for the best part of two hours and had them begging for more" Roger Van Schaick (Oxford Times)

"Partisans is contemporary sounding without being faddish, accessibly and infectiously rhythmic without enslaving itself to the groove, naturally and unself-consciously eclectic and establishes Siegel and Robson firmly where they belong, at the heart of Britain's burgeoning jazz scene." Chris Parker (The Times, BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise).

"Robson punches out oddly accented phrases with a winning touch of earthiness". Ron Atkins (The Guardian) An exciting rock infused, latin influenced collection of great original tunes." Time Out.

"A distinctive take on the contemporary materials of jazz and the wider musical world." John Fordham, The Guardian

Julian Siegel originally studied classical saxophone and conducting at University of East Anglia, it was a natural progression towards jazz, having been exposed to the music within his family from an early age. His playing, since he moved to London in 1991, has been in increasing demand from the British scene today and he has played, among others, with Django Bates, Joey Calderazzo, Stan Sulzmann, Fleurine, Julian Argüelles, Kenny Wheeler, Kate Williams and many others. He conducted the National Orchestra Of Wales on BBC 1 on Christmas Day working together with Stephen Warbeck, Oscar winner for the music to Shakespeare in Love, as well as being a member of the band the hKippers, led by Warbeck and ex-Eastenders Paul Bradley. He has also played regularly with members of the Crass collective, such as Steve Ignorant. Unusually Julian is also a highly skilled bass player and has worked extensively with the likes of Bobby Wellins, Iain Ballamy, Christine Tobin etc.

Phil Robson - "the most exciting guitarist to have emerged on the UK scene in recent years" (John Fordham, Jazz UK). Winner of the first Perrier Jazz Award, he was also commissioned by Birmingham Jazz to write a suite for octet which he has performed around the UK. Known for his close collaboration with Christine Tobin (such as on the Babel CDs House Of Women and Deep Song, he was one of the youngest students ever on the jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He has also played regularly with Django Bates, as well as with "rare groove" stars Big Jon Patton and Charles Earland, Stan Sulzmann, Martin Speake, Gerard Presencer, Iain Ballamy and many others. His CD Impish is now available.

Thad Kelly. Co-leader of Orquestra Mahatma and regular member of Billy Jenkins' Blues Collective (both with releases on The Babel Label), Thad plays extensively in a wide variety of musical styles which make him particularly flexible and capable in this band, such as with a Guy Called Gerald.

Gene Calderazzo settled in London five years ago, just in time to join Partisans from its beginnings! Originally from New York, he has a list of credits ranging from work with his brother Joey, through Wynton and Bradford Marsalis to various groups on the British scene. He was seen on the film "The Talented Mr Ripley" and is the drummer of choice for many Americans when they come to tour in Europe. Tracks: 1.Sourpuss (part 1 and 2) 2.The Missing Link 3. S.G. 4. Trap Lines 5. Nit de Nit (problems with language) 6. Passacaglia 7. Pearly Gates 8. Anniversary 9. Visiting Trumpton Recorded Livingstone Studios, London, June 1999

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