Since being voted as Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year in 2015 and the recipient of a Peter Whittingham Award in 2017, Helena Kay has never been far from these pages and justifiably so. Whether in bands led by Tommy Smith, Issie Barratt or the bassist on this album - Calum Gourlay - the tenor saxist has never been less than impressive.
Just as the KIM trio did on their debut album Moon Palace, that impressiveness continues on this, their follow-up album. The addition of pianist Johnstone gives it greater depth without in any way restricting Kay's creative juices. If anything, there's a maturity about her playing perhaps brought about by her stay in New York, hanging out in the Village Vanguard, breathing in the sounds. Whatever, it's certainly working
The compositions are all her own and, like most of today's young Scottish jazz musicians, there's often a hint of her Scottish background in the music. Not enough to make you want to wear a kilt but perhaps enough to warrant a single malt or two or maybe, given her NYC experience, a bourbon chaser.
Lyrical playing, an A-list trio, an album worth checking out. Find out more.
It's available on Sulis Records from Oct. 7 with Launch at Pizza Express on Nov. 15 - Lance
Amor y Amargo; Xian Impressions; Towards The Sun; Carla; Da Dratsie; Tuesday Club; 20/20; Golden Sands; Double 7 (bonus track) - All composed by Helena Kay
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