Only Trust Your Heart [Audio CD] TOMLINSON,JIM

In its quiet, unassuming way, this album is a little masterpiece. Britain has produced squads of brilliant young tenor saxophonists in recent times, almost all of them striving after a high-pressure, full-tilt style derived from John Coltrane, via Michael Brecker. Jim Tomlinson takes another path completely, drawing inspiration from the lyrical school of Lester Young and his followers, in particular Stan Getz. The result is a programme of airy, lightly swinging numbers and elegantly presented ballads which command attention by their simple eloquence. Two guest artists, vocalist Stacey Kent (Tomlinson's wife) and trumpeter Guy Barker, make effective appearances, adding to the general distinction of the enterprise. Whether this beautiful and totally unexpected production heralds a new diversity of styles among young British jazz musicians remains to be seen. Such a development would certainly be welcome. Meanwhile, this is an album to savour. --Dave Gelly