Joe Webb - Neath Beat

Following the acclaim and Mercury Prize-shortlisting of his album Hamstrings & Hurricanes, pianist Joe Webb returns with Neath Beat, and expectations of listeners are high. Over the last few years Webb has steadily become one of the most exciting figures on the UK jazz scene, earning wider recognition through appearances on Later… with Jools Holland and the Jools’ Annual Hootenanny, as well as collaborations with artists as varied as RAYE and Wynton Marsalis. It’s a reputation that’s expanded quickly – but with good reason – and Neath Beat seems set to follow in cementing his rising profile and popularity with jazz and non-jazz listeners alike. 

Raised in Neath, South Wales, Webb draws heavily on the sounds of his upbringing, and it’s this sense of place that brings so much character to the music, and the album its title. His playing incorporates a wide spectrum of influences: the rhythmic vigour of stride piano, the elegance and swing of Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington, but also the melodic and emotional directness of Britpop songwriting. Webb was heavily influenced by bands such as Oasis growing up, and has actively tried to emulate aspects of this in the sound of his own trio.

The ensemble itself is central to the strength of the album’s sound – the three members pack a punch. Alongside Webb on piano are long-time collaborators Will Sach on double bass and Sam Jesson on drums, with a remarkable feeling of trust between the three musicians. Rather than using the trio as an opportunity for extended soloing, the group share the space to craft the sound collectively, though there are plenty of opportunities to demonstrate some serious showmanship too.

The album opens with ‘Goalmouth Scramble’, a composition that combines Webb’s love of ragtime with football. Webb’s playful sound is in full force, but everything is executed with complete finesse and refinement. Sach and Jesson keep the rhythmic feel going whilst Webb’s buoyant piano dances over the top, gradually getting more acrobatic throughout the track. 

The swinging ‘Like Sach’ is a nod to the bassist, who features heavily in the piece, and ‘Fantastic Mr Cox’ pulls the tempo right back, but keeps the atmosphere through Jesson’s soft and rhythmic cymbal work and Webb’s use of space on piano. Webb’s steps into spotlight in his rendition of standard ‘I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)’, the opening solo section utterly sparkling - clean, precise, but with plenty of technical runs and harmonic shifts to really impress. The bass and drums join, and the rest of the track flows beautifully. 

Another standout is ‘James P’ where the listener is completely transported back to the era of stride piano – Webb employs complete technical mastery to make it sound both light, enchanting, and yet incredibly advanced. The band is entirely in sync and it’s riotous fun. The folk tune ‘Myfanwy’ honours Webb’s Welsh musical heritage and closes the album, the solo piano taking on a romanticism-type flair which makes for an emotionally resonant and dramatic conclusion to the album. It’s a stunning performance. 

For those new to Joe Webb, this is a great time to jump in and see what all the hype is about, and for those already familiar, Neath Beat won’t disappoint. For Webb, the only way seems to be up, and this album is yet another gem to add to his discography.