Colours

Basement Digs proudly re-release one of Australia's premiere jazz / funk albums: Judy Bailey's kaleidoscopic classic 'Colours' - a fantastic 4 track album from jazz pianist Judy Bailey and her Quartet, which was first released back in '76.

Bailey and her quartet immediately catch your attention now, as they did back then, with opening track "Fall Down Dead". It starts with a break followed by a funky bass line that leads into a jazz funk fusion. "The Eleven Eight Song" features another stripped down rhythm section where each instrument and musician is able to shine, especially with another funky bass line as the song's foundation. Title track "Colours Of My Dreams", is a stunning Brazilian jazz / fusion with great vocals by Denise Keene.

But perhaps we should clear something up… though this Judy Bailey was born in NZ, she was raised in England, becoming infatuated with jazz at the tender age of 12 after hearing a Fats Waller record. She studied piano at London's Trinity College before moving to Australia in '60 and making it her home. In Sydney she became active on the local jazz scene. Her prolific early projects include album recordings, TV work, live performance and work as a musical director. Never a news reader. We promise.

Bailey's inherent versatility is evident in her musical diversity and there is no doubt she is one of Australia's leading musicians and composers. She is a talented pianist who has been influenced by players of all styles and has herself performed with every major Australian jazz musician over the past two decades. You can still see Judy perform around local jazz haunts.

She has also been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to jazz music and education, and as a composer her best works are already a jazz legacy. This is really a very special jazz / funk album from our corner of the globe!

A project Bailey has been involved in features renowned NZ musician Richard Nunns ['Te Ku Te Whe'] - indeed, the pair are considered one of the most innovative and original duos in this part of the world, releasing an album on Rattle Records.

"Judy Bailey and her quartet immediately catch your attention with 'Fall Down Dead'. It begins with a little break followed by a funky bass line that leads into a fusion cut that reminds me of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters period."
- soulstrut.com