Recorded in April at Camden Studios, Dublin, this is probably as good as anything currently being recorded in Ireland. North or south of the border, either side of the Irish Sea, maybe even either side of the Atlantic - it's that good!
The standard six-piece line-up of trumpet, tenor, alto, piano, bass and drums may be suggestive of a hard-blowing Messenger's session which it sometimes is. However, there's more - much more. Donegan's charts and compositions whilst fully imbued with the modern jazz tradition also incorporate several aspects of Irish folk music. He does this seamlessly aided and abetted by the fabulous Buckley boys who meet the challenges faced on their respective horns with much aplomb. Buckley, M emotive on flute, exploratory on soprano and fiery on alto.
Buckley, R gets the cool Getz sound that was once so prevalent but less so these days. The return to favour is much welcome. Hamilton, whether on trumpet or flugel, is also well suited to the idiom (he wouldn't be on the gig if he wasn't!) whilst Bodwell and Daly know how to swing - do they not?
Donegan, although now based in the UK (Herts), has created a distinctive voice that is neither totally, Irish, nor English or American. It's all and none - it's his.
Highly recommended. Lance
Available Oct. 27 on JAYDE Records.
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