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PETE CANTER QUARTET at The Meeting House Arts Centre, Ilminster. 11th Sept 2009

"What an inspiring way to usher in the autumn after a dull summer!  Or was it to herald an Indian Summer? The Quartet was on great form in the ambient setting of the Arts Centre – ‘Jazz that Swings!’ was their by-line and very soon we were treated to a brilliant display from the players.  Pete, on tenor saxophone, was the most prominent player, with his strong, flexible, but always sonorous sound.  Exceptional playing, too, from Bristol wizard at the piano, Jim Blomfield.  For a moment we wondered where he’d got to – only delayed behind a tractor.  That’s not unusual around Ilminster at this time of the year! The core of the evening was made up from Pete’s albums.  Particularly strong were numbers from his latest release, Ununbium: Sinuous, Free Thinking and Blues for Bill gave us more than a taste of the CD.  In the second set of the generous quota for the evening, Jim excelled in Bronislau Kaper’s fast and furious Invitation. Always blending and inventive, and appropriately indulgent in their solos, Coach York on drums, and John Donnelly on bass added the essential ingredients for this accessible and distinctive jazz. Others have remarked on the spirit and vitality of Pete Canter’s music and the quality of musicianship.  The delighted and highly enthusiastic audience seemed to agree! "Anthony Pither

Promoter's Review of the Pete Canter Quartet. "Straight-ahead, swinging jazz at its best", that was the accurate description one of our regulars offered at Pete Canter's previous gig. A mixture of classic jazz standards with the odd original piece thrown in. Jim Blomfield on piano is an exciting addition to the scene. If you like uncomplicated swinging jazz this is for you. Stratford Jazz.

Review of the Pete Canter Quartet CD Ununbium by Jazzwise Magazine April 2009: "Now Exeter-based, this tenor saxophonist has a lugubrious yet entirely listenable sound and swing-to-bop approach. Here he leads a quartet including Bristolian pianist Jim Blomfield through an honest set of originals" *** (Good)

Review of the Pete Canter Quartet CD Ununbium by Keith Ames in Musician - quarterly journal of the Musicians Union, : "Illustrious tenor saxophonist Pete offers another example of definitive small band improv. His South-West England-based outfit features Jim Blomfield (piano), Wayne Elliot (bass) and Gary Evans (drums). Varied, exciting, exceptional."

Review by internationally renowned saxophonist & composer Iain Ballamy of the Pete Canter Quartet CD Ununbium: "Having been in contact with Pete over the year he was developing and writing this material, this CD comes as a refreshing and welcome arrival. Featuring the excellent pianist Jim Blomfield, the music shows spirit and vitality with a good energy all round!" Iain Ballamy.

Poem inspired by Jinrikisha gig in the Exeter Vibraphonic Festival at The Hub 22nd March 2009:

The saxophone

Inside out

A Pompidou

of industrial art

a smelting plant

An assortment

of pots and pipes

Full of the hot

liquid breath

c.David E. Butler

Audience Review: Pete Canter Quartet. Northleigh Village Hall 22nd Nov 2008. "We came to Northleigh Village Hall last night to see and hear your Quartet. It was an excellent evening, thank you very much. You may be amused to know that during the evening I became a convert to modern jazz. I love trad jazz and until yesterday I had despised- even hated the likes of the MJQ. Last night to start with I feared the worst but took comfort in my pint of Otter Ale, but by the interval my enjoyment of the music was such that I was hooked. The enthusiasm, wonderful integration and professional skills of the group captivated me. Paul and Jane Miller."

Promotor Review: Pete Canter Quartet, Old Bank, Swindon 1st Oct 2008 "The Old Bank in Wood Street is now firmly established as Swindon's number one jazz venue putting together a collection of musicans and vocalists from around the country to entertain a growing audience of jazz aficionados, and the most recent gig was no exception with Pete Canter leading a quartet of musicians from Exeter who presented an evening of quality jazz. Pete displayed his admiration for blue note recording artist and tenor sax giant Hank Mobley with his rendition of Mobley's This I Dig of You exhibiting a bright and impressive sound. Innovative pianist James Clemas lead the complementary backing trio, drummer Gary Evans gave a masterful and competent show, with bassist John Donolly delivering a solid and comfortable sound. Playing tunes like Take Five, Doxy, Jordu, and Joe Henderson's Recorda Me as well as Pete's originals, the quartet presented an evening of comprehensive and entertaining jazz enjoyed by an appreciative audience" Dave Knight