'Much respect to Respectable Groove, a genre-blending London quartet which uses traditional instruments but gives Purcell's graceful themes some wily chordal updates. Double-bassist Oli Hayhurst and percussionist Ichiro Tatsuhara add thrust to the ensembles (particularly on The Furies are Unleashed) while agile solos by Evelyn Nallen (recorder) and brilliant arranger David Gordon (harpsichord) make these instruments sound improbably hip. Rather than spinning in his grave, one imagines old Henry clicking his fingers in approval.'
Jack Massarik
London Evening Standard Jazz CD of the Week
'Not just a matter of adding jazz rhythms to a baroque original... dramatic sensation, unusual atmosphere and fresh improvisation'
Alyn Shipton - The Times
'Prepare to suspend your disbelief. This version of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas is filled with jazz harmonies and ethnic influences. The category-defying quartet Respectable Groove have woven an improvisatory performance piece from Dido's threads... Two things stand out - the players themselves, sensitive and virtuosic, and the sheer gusto of the performance thanks largely to Gordon's energetic harpsichord playing and crunchy chord textures. The inspired arrangements bring a vitality to the music with ever-changing textures... the spirit of Purcell's opera is captured and teased. If you like ground-breaking, cage-rattling recordings this is for you.'
Jeremy Fisher - Early Music Today