Jim Mullen (guitar) has been a major figure on the European jazz scene for many years, perhaps best known for his long and fruitful association with the late Dick Morrissey in Morrissey/Mullen. He is the first choice guitarist for many visiting Americans, having performed regularly with Jimmy Smith, Mose Allison, Gene Harris and Terry Callier. His current main group is the organ trio with Mike Gorman on Hammond organ and Matt Skelton drums

It's hard to find even the most spartan abstract-music fan who isn't a closet admirer of Hammond organ jazz. The gospel-powered style popularised by Jimmy Smith in the 1960s still crosses generations. (The Hammond's gospel roots go back to the era when not all churches had organs, but the Hammond had wheels, allowing preachers to drive them to the service). Jim Mullen, the great Scottish funk and jazz guitarist, runs a mellow, lightly-swinging, more idiomatically wide-ranging version, with the elegantly boppish Mike Gorman doing the organ honours - and saxophonist Stan Sulzmann is a welcome guest. Mullen's silky sound has the remarkable knack of sometimes making his instrument suggest Ray Charles's voice. Mullen's springy rhythmic sense and Gorman's twisting lines also make a classy job of It Never Entered My

Mind.

Special guest star Stan Sulzmann

Stan Sulzmann is without question one of the most highly respected musicians in the UK today, admired by musicians and audiences for his instantly recognisable sound, and boundless creative imagination, and is a source of inspiration to many of Britain's emerging young musicians.

Sulzmann's career stretches back to the 60's, when as part of a uniquely talented crop of British musicians, he played with Graham Collier, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Gordon Beck, as well as leading many groups of his own.

Since that time Stan has been at the forefront of European contemporary jazz, and his talents have been sought by a host of discerning musicians, including Gil Evans, Mike Gibbs, Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland and Michael Brecker. Constantly in demand as a guest soloist, he has appeared with bands across Europe, including the Hilversum Radio Orchestra, NDR Big Band (alongside Chet Baker), Hanover Radio Symphony Orchestra and the New York Composers Orchestra.

Further intimate and refreshingly innovative musical partnerships have developed with acclaimed British pianist Nikki Iles, American keyboard player Marc Copland and the trio Ordesa - a drumless, bassless combination with Kenny Wheeler and John Parricellli.

'possibly the strongest new band in the country' Independent August 2002

An accomplished and distinguished composer, Stan's writing talents are internationally recognised, and have most recently found expression in writing for Ordesa, and the Stan Sulzmann Big Band. His music has been described in glowing terms 'ravishing, delicious, powerful and direct?meticulously written, sometimes echoing the imaginative and much missed orchestra of Michael Gibbs' The Guardian

'Sulzmann - the classy composer'. John Fordham.
To hear a track from their new album together 'Smokescreen' click here

www.jimmullenjazz.co.uk

www.stansulzmann.co.uk

www.divingduck.co.uk

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