Mike Westbrook's Glad Day DVD/CD:

Gadjo Jazz CD

The wonderful work that is Mike Westbrook's Glad Day - The Choral Version

A review from the performance that was filmed in HD for this DVD:

The poetry of William Blake, with its searing commentaries on human greed, cruelty and other failings, has a particular resonance in these uncertain times. Toynbee Studios in Commercial Road in LondonÕs East End last weekend (December 6 & 7, 2008) were the appropriate setting for the latest manifestation of Mike WestbrookÕs songs and musical settings of the poems of the 18th century London visionary. WestbrookÕs basic group, featuring the leader on piano, Karen Street (accordion), Billy Thompson (violin) and Steve Berry (double bass) was augmented by the 40-strong London College of Music Chamber Choir, directed by Paul Ayres. At its core is WestbrookÕs pared-down, hymn-like piano accompaniment and majestic introductions with BerryÕs double bass playing a pivotal role. While Karen StreetÕs accordion and Billy ThompsonÕs violin provide effective instrumental colour in the arranged sections, their expressive improvisations raised the overall performance to fresh heights. WestbrookÕs talent as an arranger, allied to his strong sense of theatre, is to do just as much as is required and not to embellish or complicate without clear reason. The choir provided a further dimension, whether accompanying, taking the lead or in their choir-only feature The Tyger and the Lamb. But it was the two vocalists who stood out - Kate WestbrookÕs for her heart-felt delivery and Phil Minton for his passionate interpretation of every single word and the expressive range of his voice. The audience left Toynbee Studios on this cold December evening, uplifted and warmed by MintonÕs extraordinary performance of the two closing songs ÔThe FieldsÕ and ÔI See Thy FormÕ.
- Charles Alexander JAZZWISE

Billy performing Glad Day

£12.99

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Mike Westbrook makes full use of his two striking vocalists, Kate Westbrook and Phil Minton. He finds music to match the ecstacy of ÔI See Thy FormÕ, the desolation of ÔLondon SongÕ, turns ÔA Poison TreeÕ into a blood-curdling tango, and fashions a magnificent anthem for ÔLet The Slave/The Price of ExperienceÕ, BlakeÕs great paeans to freedom, dignity and compassion.
THE WIRE

 

WestbrookÕs settings areÊ among the greatest British music of the centuryÉ bold, optimistic and inspiring.
THE INDEPENDENT

 

Perhaps the greatest work in all British jazz.
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Click here to watch a clip on YouTube.