Chirs Williams Archive

Led Bib – Umbrella Weather – RareNoise

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 24, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

UK jazz-rockers Led Bib have it covered, from fear of crustaceans to bug invasions, and from shopping to cooking. Led Bib – Umbrella Weather [TrackList follows] – RareNoise RNR071, 75:01 [1/20/17] ****: (Mark Holub – drums; Pete Grogan, Chris Williams – alto saxophone; Liran Donin – bass; Toby McLaren – keyboards) English jazz-rock combo Led Bib have jumped from the Cuneiform label to the likeminded RareNoise imprint, and the quintet’s notably noisy blend of jazz, rock, improvisation and other aspects continues to be an edgy and explorative endeavor. Led Bib’s heated electric jazz-rock is memorable for two primary reasons: they have a hard-hitting approach like some of the NYC downtown players, and they have a unique line-up consisting of two alto saxophonists (Pete Grogan and Chris Williams) alongside drummer Mark Holub, bassist Liran Donin and keyboardist Toby McLaren. The twelve tracks on Umbrella Weather, the band’s eighth release since forming in 2003, are an often stormy (but also occasionally quiet) experience which showcases Led Bib’s keen collective improvisation skills.  Most of the material on Umbrella Weather was created spontaneously in the studio. Holub (who acts as the de-facto leader) explains, “In general, very little is written. We are mostly working […]