Our interview with highly regarded US tenor-saxophonist Tim Armacost (Jazzwise 185, August 2014) set the stage for this release, the American's praise for Garnett almost fulsome in its extent. Happily, his appreciation for his fellow saxophonist Garnett and delight in performing with him is more than substantiated with this release. The band had clearly gelled by the time they came to record and the results have the kind of confident, lived-in feeling that proper bands always have. The material is mostly Garnett's and he clearly knows a thing or two about finding memorable tunes and hooks. The blend of the two tenors is spot-on and they can roar, the playing complex yet never chaotic, as on the opening ‘So Long!’ the kind of tricky theme that the Jazz Couriers might have liked or play ‘free’ if it suited them. The even more impactive ‘Delusions of Grandma’ (what did the poor woman do to deserve that title?) fairly steams along, both men happy to joust in post-Rollins fashion, Maddren's drums lighting the appropriate fires, as Janisch and Noble dig in. ‘I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm’ is cleverly done, both men snaking around the theme with the always-impressive Noble's fervent solo quite his best of the session.

Jazzwise spoke to Alex Garnett about the album

In conceiving the band, were you consciously thinking about the two-tenor heritage i.e. Tubby Hayes & Ronnie Scott, Lockjaw and Griffin etc?

I met Tim at a time where I'd just started getting into tenor as my first horn and he had a great influence on my interest in the sound and history of the instrument. I feel the material I've selected for the group is two tenor-specific and a tribute to the legacy of the masters of the instrument.

The majority of the compositions on the albums are yours. Is there a definable Alex Garnett compositional signature?

Too many notes! The compositions span a 20-year period of writing to mirror the time I've known Tim and create a kind of musical journey. My career and taste in music is possibly too eclectic to be specific of my own signature style. I work most things out on the saxophone so have been trying to write less notey, saxy influenced melodies.

Armacost makes an impressive contribution to the album's success. How did you first link up with him?

Years back, I worked part-time at a North London music store and a friend of Tim's came in with a bootleg tape of Armacost in action. I loved it! A year later I happened to be in New York and this same fellow hooked me up with Tim in person. The rest is history.

What do you think his special attributes are and how do they complement what you do?

Tim is one of the most thorough and patient musicians I've met. He has the history of the sax in his veins yet he sounds like himself. He owns every note he plays and doesn't deal in small talk. Tim is ‘Alpha’ but a team player, intellectual but heartfelt. It's easy to play with Tim because he is all about the music and the moment. Standing next to him is really inspiring.

Bunch of Five has just completed a UK tour. Are there further plans for the band?

I'd like to branch out on the continent and further afield with the group. Play some festivals and see where the music takes us. I'm very grateful to the UK scene for supporting me and the guys as much as they have so far. I hope I can build on this helping hand and do justice to the efforts of all concerned. It may be a slow burner but one I hope that has longevity. As always, time will be the boss!