Articles by Neil Duggan
Tom Ollendorff: Where In The World
by Neil Duggan
Since 2021, guitarist Tom Ollendorff has been evolving his sound over two promising albums. Where In The World marks a flowering of his talent, showing sophisticated playing and refined composing. Some of the impetus for this progression stems from his first collaboration with pianist Aaron Parks, whose style forms a natural synergy with Ollendorff's and proves the ideal vehicle for these pieces. Joining them are Ollendorff's long- standing musical partners: bassist Conor Chaplin and drummer James Maddren. The ...
Continue ReadingLisa Hilton: Extended Daydream
by Neil Duggan
Lisa Hilton's success story continues with her 31st release, Extended Daydream. Her considerable body of work makes frequent chart appearances and measures streams in millions. She appears in various group formats, but on this occasion, the focus is on her quintet. That quintet is based around her longtime trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston, augmented with the return of tenor saxophonist JD Allen, who has appeared on eight of Hilton's previous albums, along with another ...
Continue ReadingDexter Gordon: More Than You Know (1981)
by Neil Duggan
More Than You Know is a previously unreleased live recording by jazz legend Dexter Gordon. It is the first in the GleAM Records series dedicated to the giants of jazz. The recording features saxophonist Gordon performing with his early 1980s quartet: Kirk Lightsey on piano, David Eubanks on bass and Eddie Gladden on drums. Dating from July 1981, it was recorded at the Villa Imperiale, Genoa, Italy and has the full backing of Gordon's estate. Having played with ...
Continue ReadingFlorian Arbenz: Convergence: Moon
by Neil Duggan
For over 30 years drummer Florian Arbenz has taken his drumming style into new genres. His Conversation series produced 12 albums with 12 different ensembles and as part of the VEIN trio, he recorded eight albums, collaborating with Dave Liebman, Marc Johnson and Andy Sheppard. Classically trained, he has also worked as a percussionist in numerous concerts and festivals. Florian Arbenz: Convergence is a series of cross-continental collaborations, Moon being the second album in the series. He initially ...
Continue ReadingRuby Rushton: Legacy!
by Neil Duggan
Legacy! is the fifth studio album from Ruby Rushton. For the avoidance of doubt, Ruby Rushton is a band named after the grandmother of the bandleader Ed Cawthorne, who prefers to be known under his stage name of Tenderlonious. Fortunately, there is no confusion when it comes to their original compositions, written by Tenderlonious and keyboard player Aidan Shepherd. They are bright, cohesive and hugely effective. Previously, the band, which also features trumpeter Nick Walters and drummer Tim ...
Continue ReadingMartin Nodeland: Tributaries
by Neil Duggan
Tributaries is the third album from Norwegian guitarist Martin Nodeland, following on from Debut (Smeik, 2019) and Origins (Smeik, 2020). A significant figure in the Norwegian jazz scene who has garnered praise far beyond Scandinavia, Nodeland's distinctive guitar playing and compositional style draw heavily on American jazz traditions while maintaining a distinctive voice. Those earlier albums featured Nodeland in a quintet and in an eleven-piece ensemble (an undecet). For this album, he returns to a quintet format featuring ...
Continue ReadingSebastian Rochford: Finding Ways
by Neil Duggan
Finding Ways is the first chapter in a major project for British drummer and composer Sebastian Rochford. He is one of the most versatile drummers working today, as evidenced by his work with his band Polar Bear and collaborations with major artists as diverse as David Byrne, Herbie Hancock, Adele, Kit Downes and Brian Eno. This album focuses on the guitar. It features eight guitarists in various combinations, all mixed by Tchad Blake and anchored by Rochford's drums, ...
Continue ReadingKate Wyatt Trio: Murmurations
by Neil Duggan
Murmurations, the dazzling aerial spectacle of starlings swirling together to form ever-changing shapes, is an apt title for this album from the Kate Wyatt Trio. The trio show a similar intuitive understanding, moving in unity while remaining attuned to each member's subtle shifts. Kate Wyatt is a Montreal pianist with a string of recordings both as a leader and as an accompanist. These recordings include jazz albums as well as pop and TV work. Her previous album was ...
Continue ReadingShuteen Erdenebaatar, Nils Kugelmann: Under The Same Stars
by Neil Duggan
Mongolian-born pianist Shuteen Erdenebaatarand German multi-instrumentalist Nils Kugelmann both garnered considerable praise for their debut albums, which focused on group formats. Under The Same Stars finds them united in an intimate duo debut. The duo has been performing together for many years. In addition to upright bass, Kugelmann plays contra-alto clarinet. The combination of clarinet and piano creates an intriguing and highly effective soundscape. Drawing from jazz, cinematic and classical influences, their music features memorable melodies that will ...
Continue ReadingFergus McCreadie Trio: The Shieling
by Neil Duggan
After four thoughtfully crafted releases, the Fergus McCreadie Trio adopted an entirely different approach for their fifth album. They journeyed to the Isle of Skye, took the ferry to North Uist in the Scottish Outer Hebrides and spent five days recording The Shieling in a remote cottage. Whoever was responsible for transporting McCreadie's piano to this isolated location certainly deserves recognition for their efforts. A shieling is the Gaelic word for a simple dwelling, typically constructed of stone ...
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