Album review: Joe Steels Group - A Blue Patch

Joe Steels (guitar); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet); Ben Lawrence (piano, Fender Rhodes); Paul Susans (double bass); John Hirst (drums)

A Blue Patch is Joe Steels' new album. Featuring Cumbria’s Ben Lawrence (piano, Fender Rhodes) and, from Northumberland, Ferg Kilsby (trumpet), Paul Susans (bass) and John Hirst (drums), the album spans all of three quarters of an hour. 

The north of England landscape, straddling either side of the Pennines, is a shared experience for all five musicians: panoramic landscapes, big skies, an ancient folklore heritage. Comprising seven tracks, all composed by Steels, at the heart of the music is a quiet lyricism, fusing Celtic themes and advanced jazz harmony. 

From beginning to end, Steels’ guitar playing is impeccably restrained and incisive in equal measure. Trumpeter Kilsby (tracks 1, 3, 4 and 5) and pianist Lawrence (rising stars both) make telling contributions alongside a wholly sympathetic rhythm section, comprising bassist Susans and drummer Hirst.

Round the Block opens with Steels and Kilsby in unison, concise solos flow, first bandleader Steels, followed by Kilsby, then Lawrence.

  

A Blue Patch, the album's title track, with its light, optimistic tone, contrasts nicely with the post-bop feel on Witching Hour, the latter perhaps referencing an infant's bedtime routine rather than the ghoulish 'round midnight' hour.

Between the Stars stretches out on a broad, night sky canvas. Steels sketches a rhythmic theme, Hirst opting for a watercolour palette of shimmering cymbals, Kilsby to the fore with some wonderful trumpet playing.

Lady Day takes its/her time. Perhaps it's late night, ballad time. A feature for Steels, his bandmates taking their time, pianist Lawrence making considered use of the Fender Rhodes.

The aforementioned Witching Hour flies. Drummer Hirst on the ride cymbal, bassist Susans the driving force. Solos abound, first Steels, then Kilsby firing on all cylinders, Hirst taking it out in fine style.

Borestone maintains the standard, both soloists and ensemble, leading into the closing number, These Are the Days. Fender Rhodes framing Steels' angular, bluesy, solo. This is contemporary guitar playing at its best.               

Track listing: Round the Block; A Blue Patch; Between the Stars; Lady Day; Witching Hour; Borestone; These Are the Days.

A Blue Patch is released today (February 12) in digital and 12" vinyl formats. (joesteelsmusic.bandcamp.com). Recorded at Blank Studios, Newcastle, produced by Dean Parker, recorded by Josh Ingledew. Russell

A Blue Patch tour dates: Feb. 13 Bookends Jazz, Lancaster; Feb. 16 Blaydon Jazz Club; Feb. 18 Matt and Phred's, Manchester; Feb. 19 Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds; Feb. 20 1000 Trades, Birmingham; Feb. 22 Queen's Hall, Hexham; Feb. 23 Yamaha Music School, Blyth; Feb. 27 Gala Theatre, Durham (sold out); Mar. 12 Bebop Club, Bristol; Mar. 20 Old Black Cat Jazz Club, Sunderland Minster.