“The Septets are very fine indeed. Joe Harriott and Tony Coe solo on ‘Webster’s Mood’, a rich swing tribute. Don Rendell takes the main theme on the waltz ‘Ursula’, with thoughtful contributions from Ian Carr and Coe again.”
Brian Morton, Jazz Review, October/November 2005

“This album contains some genuine delights. Though I’m no fan of poetry and jazz, somehow John Smith’s words and plummy English vowels on ‘Jazz for Five’ and ‘Jazz Nativity’ suit the music so much more than Kerouac or Roxroth ever did. It’s well worth parting with your hard-earned for this one.”
Duncan Heining, Jazzwise, September 2005

No.7, Top 10 Reissues of 2005, Mike Flynn, Jazzwise, December 2005/January 2006

“It sees the composer rework Duke Ellington’s approach into a personal vision comprising poetry, religious music and unusual instrumentation….Black Marigolds is a superb album of unorthodox jazz originals.”
John Fordham, The Guardian, 15 July 2005

“An intriguing glimpse of an accomplished artist reaching out across disciplines.”
Clive Davis, The Times Sunday Supplement, 2005

CDSML 8411