As a Mercury Music Prize judge, this writer has been dismayed by how dull most of the British jazz entries in recent years have been. Now, shining like a beacon comes the visionary debut from the British bassist/composer Anthony Tidd and his group, Quite Sane. Long delayed while he’s been busy producing Roots and Jazzyfatnastees, given his own head he’s come up with an effortless, groundbreaking fusion of modern jazz, streetwise beats and hip hop. The dynamic tunes, thought-provoking lyrics, imaginative arrangements and general air of utter contemporaneity make it the most accessible, exciting modern British jazz album in years.
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