“These Guys Are Super Badass!” Vancouver International Jazz Festival – June 2014
Since their formation in 1996 Partisans have been thrilling audiences with their ferociously energetic performances. Hailed as breaking the ground for the new wave of British jazz and described by BBC Radio Jazz on 3 as ‘One of the most exciting all star experimental groups in Jazz today’ Partisans is co-led by two of the pre-eminent musicians of their generation, Phil Robson (guitar) and Julian Siegel (tenor sax & bass clarinet). The quartet’s line-up is completed by Thaddeus Kelly (bass) and Gene Calderazzo (drums). Partisans are real band! The richly lyrical and strongly melodic compositions written by the leaders provide the framework and starting point, underpinned by the rock solid, freewheeling and supercharged rhythm section. Their critically acclaimed new album ‘Swamp’, released in September 2014 on Whirlwind Records pumps their groove-based sound with viscous voodoo, Hi-Life romps, burning post bop, no messin rock outs, spacious reflections and heavy hooks. With a cult following in their native UK, 5 celebrated albums and years of touring around the globe, their June ‘14 North American Tour included performances at The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (NYC) as part of ‘Made In The UK’ plus Montreal, Vancouver & Ottawa international festivals and appearances in Seattle & Toronto. More recently, Partisans played at the EFG London Jazz festival plus were invited to play the opening gig of the Tampere Jazz Happening in Finland as well as UK touring.
‘Partisans were the highlight of the festival, jazz that makes you blink in its glare’– John Fordham,The Guardian, Cheltenham Jazz Festival
“Restless, almost reckless energy… delirious listening… consistently thrilling.” BBC Music Magazine
“Eighteen years on from their debut, this mélange of mischievous stylish mash-up and virtuosic energy doesn’t get old. If anything Robson, Siegel, Kelly and Calderazzo are reaching new heights.” 4 stars, MOJO Magazine No#4 Jazz Albums of the Year 2014