Tenderlonious Pays Homage to Spiritual Jazz Era with “You Know I Care”
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Ed Cawthorne, popularly known as Tenderlonious, stands as a dynamic figure in London’s jazz milieu, marking his territory as a player, producer, bandleader, and label chief for almost ten years. A self-taught aficionado of the flute and soprano sax, his inspirations stem from jazz legends such as Yusef Lateef. Tenderlonious has an eclectic discography, ranging from funk and hip-hop to techno, even diving into ragas with an album recorded in Lahore.
His latest offering, “You Know I Care”, takes a different turn, stripping back to focus on the evocative sounds of the “spiritual jazz” epoch from the late 60s and 70s. With no traces of electronic beats, the album kicks off with “On the Nile”, a 1969 piece by trumpeter Charles Tolliver. The Egyptian melody rings out through Cawthorne’s newfound passion for the alto sax, complemented by pianist Hamish Balfour’s compelling accompaniment. The album showcases other gems, like Wayne Shorter’s “Infant Eyes” and Duke Pearson’s title track, both celebrated for their exquisite beauty and rendered on the flute. Adding diversity to the mix, “Maimoun” by Stanley Cowell offers a lush ambiance, whereas “John Coltrane” by Bill Lee (Spike Lee’s father) injects a dose of funk. It’s a heartfelt and beautifully executed homage to a golden era of jazz.
