Album review: Matthew Kilner - The Space In Between (Independent)

Matthew Kilner (tenor sax);  Paul Harrison (piano); Ewan Hastie (bass); Alyn Cosker (drums) + Paul Towndrow (alto sax on tk 3)

Matthew Kilner grew up in the north east of Scotland, Aberdeen to be precise, so I suppose it was inevitable that this collection of originals would be dedicated to that particular neck of the woods.

In recent years the Scottish jazz scene, from Edinburgh to Glasgow and now Aberdeen, has become a breeding ground for young talent. Indeed backing against a young Scottish jazz musician in the BBC's Young Jazz Musician of the Year contest is like backing against an Irish-trained horse at Cheltenham. They're always good for an each way flutter with bassist Hastie actually first past the post in 2022.

Kilner too has been making waves in his homeland being a finalist in Radio Scotland's equivalent contest in 2023. His foggy tenor sax sound is deeply personal and perfect for the pictures that he paints.

Cosker needs no introduction having power-driven many bands the length and breadth of the UK.

In the very first Scottish Jazz Awards in 2009 Paul Harrison won the piano section and listening to his playing on this album of delights tells you just why, it's an absolute joy.

Towndrow needs no introduction, his solos with SNJO are as legendary as the Loch Ness Monster and we do have the albums to prove it although it's a shame he only plays on one track. Nevertheless, the others do make up for it.

Six originals by Kilner and each with a story to tell, Sometimes boppish, sometimes balladic and, all times, beautiful. Lance

BANDCAMP

Harry The Heron; Ask Or Tell; The Lighthouse; Haar; Freehearted; The Space In Between.