Home » Jazz Musicians » better than TV
better than TV
better than TV had its formal debut in 2011. Our line up changed during the years as former students left Cambridge, and it is fluid and rather unconventional. We published two albums, 'Late’ in 2015 and ‘Song from No Man’s Land’ in 2018, both receiving positive reviews and radio time. We play regularly in Cambridge and London.
“light-hearted, engaging compositions” Jazzwise magazine, September 2015 “a wealth of talent” Pete Butchers, Jazz Today “Close to Jazz, but not only” Pino Saulo, Battiti, Rai Radio3
Tags
Better Than TV: Song From No Man's Land
by Gareth Thompson
The children on this album's cover are shown enjoying a timeless street game. Such kids often play by their own rules--much like adult musicians, as Better Than TV proves here. A collective from Cambridge, UK, the band is led by bassist Sergio Contrino, whose Italian heritage finds an outlet on this eclectic disc. Song From No Man's Land is aptly titled, with elements of klezmer, cabaret, Nordic dance and Dixie all merging into the jazz framework. Cassie Gorman's ...
read moreBetter than TV: Late
by Bruce Lindsay
Better than TV, huh? A few years ago that assertion--from a young quintet based in Cambridge, UK--would have been quite a boast. Today, not so much. Still, congrats to the band for coming up with the name. It's memorable and a tad quirky, which is good, because on this evidence the band, with a strong bop sensibility and a way with a memorable melody line, could well be around for some time. Late is the band's debut: eight ...
read moreBetter Than TV: Late
by Roger Farbey
Five students from Cambridge (UK) recorded this debut album over two sessions, six months apart. The first session from 10 June 2013 opens with “1000 And One" on an ostinato bass figure and relaxed McCoy Tyner-esque piano. This is a relatively straightforward modal piece but with some engaging solos from the brass section and some. By contrast, “Standing With Sally" introduces some memorable funky rhythms and ensemble passages. “Elliulogy" opens just with the horns, New Orleans style; a bluesy number ...
read more“...some of the most inventive jazz Cambridge has to offer” Varsity 9/3/2018 ‘class act ... worth going some distance to see live .. sheer vitality’ AAJ https://www.allaboutjazz.com/song-from-no-mans-land-sergio-contrino-self-produced- review-by-gareth-thompson.php “a real pleasure, this band is just fun!” Linley Hamilton, BBC Jazz World, 6/7/2018 https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00000sx 'Declared and practised eclecticism ..... they mix folk and funk with the open approach of jazz' https://www.raiplayradio.it/audio/2018/03/BATTITI—-Songs-94134a0e-0403-4a6d-a255- 561ee094cb5b.html “a wealth of talent” Pete Butchers, Jazz Today http://jazztoday.co.uk/ "..
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
Videos
better than TV
Location: London
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
Formed: 2011
