'You Live and Learn...(Apparently)' the 2004 album from pianist/composer Django Bates, who is described in the Rough Guide to Jazz as "one of the most prodigiously talented musicians that Britain has produced." Django's work refers to the entire jazz spectrum - from early jazz through bebop and free jazz to jazz-rock fusion, using a mixture of acoustic and electronic instruments. As well as his incredible musical abilities, he has a surreal sense of humour, an acute visual sense, and a deep interest in language and literature.
Django Bates' never-ending search for the unexpected takes his audience on yet another journey of discovery. "Human Chain" (featuring Iain Ballamy) is joined by The Smith Quartet and a number of guest musicians who include alto saxophonist Dave Sanborn, guitarist Jim Mullen and pianist Nikki Yeoh. Most of the songs on the album are new originals, two of them - "Weird World" and "Football" - were commissioned by the Jerwood Foundation. It is completed with modern explorations of David Bowie, "Life On Mars", featuring David Sanborn, and Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again, Naturally" and "My Way".
Many of these works have already been performed in concert in the UK and earlier this year the Guardian wrote: "This is modern ensemble playing of the highest calibre, contemporary composition at it's most vital and a thrilling show not to be missed."
Personnel: Human Chain: Django Bates (keyboards, eb tenor horn, vocals), Iain Ballamy (tenor saxophone), Josefine Lindstrand (vocals and Tibetan Bell), Martin France (drums and electronic percussion), Michael Mondesir (electric bass, rap vocals)
The Smith Quartet: Ian Humphries, Charles Mutter (violin), Nic Pendlebury - (viola), Deirdre Cooper (cello)
Guest Musicians: David Sanborn (alto saxophone, 5), Chris Batcheloe (trumpet), Jim Mullen (guitar, 1), Lawrence Cottle (electric bass, 11), Barak School (percussion, 11)
