Lockdown dimmed the lights, regular jam sessions went the journey and a multitude of residencies disappeared overnight. One of the few positives in these strange times has been the proliferation of online performances, offering jaded ears the opportunity to hear other, less familiar voices in other places.
One such voice, an occasional visitor to this part of the world, has proven to be an integral part of Kansas Smitty's sterling efforts to stream gigs into jazz fans' homes across the globe.
Bassist Ferg Ireland, an unobtrusive figure, could be described as 'in demand' or 'first call'. Now, as the pandemic retreats, Ireland has released a trio album, imaginatively titled Ferg Ireland Trio.
Seven compositions, all by Ireland, with a total running time of something like forty seven minutes, suggest the Trinity Laban/Royal Academy graduate is a composer of note and an inventive improviser. Joining Ireland on this Mondegreen Recording are alto saxophonist Nathaniel Facey and drummer James Maddren.
The composer's writing displays urgency and lyricism in equal measure: Facey urgent and lyrical, Maddren consistently in the right place at the right time. From Stay Broke (perhaps a musician's observation of the lifestyle!) to a swinging Mel's Mood to the Eastern sounds of Confession, the trio's cohesive approach is wholly convincing. Russell
The Ferg Ireland Trio is a Mondegreen Recording (cat no. MNDGRCD001).
No comments :
Post a Comment