Mainstream Giants of Jazz 2007RWP ***

Although this is a mainstream formula – well-worn standards, a pickup rhythm section and guest leaders – what gives it a certain poignancy is that Moss, one of the doyens of the idiom in Britain, was ill at the time of recording and died eight months later. His big tenor tone had lost some meat, and there are little flurries of struggle here and there, but Moss plays well enough, particularly on a genial oldie, Sugar. Hamilton shows him the respect he deserves, and the result is a relatively low-key album where consistency, rather than any great heights of inspiration, is the tone. The same applies to the rhythm section of John Pearce, Dave Cliff, Len Skeat and Martin Drew, although Hamilton's fine solo, in On the Alamo, galvanises them to some of their best work. Perhaps the sense of valediction was too much. Strictly for fans. www.propernote.co.uk