Jazz Album Review by Tony Poole linktr.ee/tonypoole1956
Paz was a London-based British fusion collective formed in 1972 by vibraphonist Dick Crouch. Their sound was rooted in Latin jazz but also incorporated elements of funk and soul-jazz, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries. At the time, Crouch was working as a producer for the BBC Transcription Department in West London. Frustrated with what he saw as the increasingly abstract nature of the local jazz scene, he founded Paz with a firm belief that strong melody should be at the heart of the music.
Despite their longevity on the London club circuit and the south-east of England, Paz never reached the popularity of British fusion acts like Morrissey-Mullen, Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, or early Incognito. Their audience leaned more toward rock fans than traditional jazz listeners, drawn perhaps to their rhythmic drive and accessible, groove-oriented approach. While Paz may not have achieved mainstream recognition, their commitment to tuneful, groove-heavy jazz made them a distinctive presence in the UK fusion landscape.
Over the years, Paz’s lineup featured a rotating cast of top-tier British and international musicians. Among them were saxophonists Lol Coxhill, Brian Smith, and Ray Warleigh; guitarists Phil Lee, Ed Speight, and Jim Mullen; and Ron Matthewson, longtime bassist for Ronnie Scott. The group’s anchor was keyboardist Geoff Castle, who remained a constant presence throughout their run.
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