Jim Massarik of the London Evening Standard writes...
An expert double-bassist who has worked with American stars galore, Tottenham-born Jim Richardson knows a good thing when he hears it.
Two unsung local heroes, guitarist Phil Lee and altoist Bob Martin, figure in his latest London group.
Martin, originally from Atlantic City, has the warm sound and superb fluency of a latter-day Phil Woods, while Lee, who contributes two originals in Chapter One and Denial, displays the taste and economy of a British Jim Hall.
Richardson's occasional bass solos are of similarly heavyweight class. Drummers Clark Tracey or Matt Fishwick round out the kind of quartet that gives straight-ahead neobop a good name.

London Evening Standard 8 January 2010

About Chapter One
Jim Richardson unearthed this recording from amongst his huge collection of concerts and studio work he has personally recorded over the years. When Actone Records heard it, we were determined that it should be released so that more people can enjoy this little gem.

We looked further into the recording and talked to the other musicians. Two things became clear.

First, nobody remembers where the recording was made. Jim remembers that a kindly engineer in a North London studio allowed them free use during studio downtime.

Second, nobody is quite sure when the recording was made. Sometime between 1997-1999 seems to be likely - not that the recording sounds in any way dated. We realise that this will drive the jazz historians mad, but we don't feel that is a good reason for us to not release this great session.

Chapter One
Jim Richardson's Octopus
"the kind of quartet that gives
straight-ahead neobop a good name"

Jim Massarik, London Evening Standard

A really special session from the archives of Jim Richardson

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