Joe Robson: Home

Many artists draw inspiration from their homeland's folk traditions, which are often reflected in their compositions and playing style. This fusion is particularly evident in Scottish jazz, where prominent performers like Fergus McCreadie, Norman Willmore and Stephen Henderson incorporate strong folk elements. Guitarist Joe Robson advances this blend in his ambitious project Home, achieving a complete marriage of both genres across his ten compositions that make up the album.

Supporting his vision are several similarly inspired Scottish musicians. Tenor saxophonist Matt Carmichael—who offered up his album Marram (Edition Records, 2022), reviewed here, and bassist Ali Watson, with his album Terrarium (Self Produced, 2024), reviewed here, both incorporate folk music into their compositions. They are joined by alto saxophonist Adam Jackson (UK) and fiddle player Charlie Stewart. Pianist Harris Playfair. Drummer Stu Brown performs on five tracks, while pianist Dan Brown (UK) and drummer Doug Hough-Stewart play on the other five. Guest musicians include prominent Irish alto saxophonist Michael Thomas Murray and internationally acclaimed British Canadian tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, whose extensive experience on over 70 albums makes him an ideal bridge between the two genres.

Fiddle player Stewart studied jazz bass and toured with Celtic-music pioneers Capercaillie. His genre-shifting talent shines immediately on "Emergence," where Blake and Jackson take the lead before fiddle, guitar and saxophones unite in this powerful opening track. Robson's compositions often incorporate rock influences, particularly in "Clear the Decks," which begins with electric guitar and seamlessly blends with fiddle and saxophones. The more jazz-driven "Brotherhood" features a sparkling bass introduction by Watson followed by compelling saxophone passages before transitioning sharply in tempo and direction, showcasing melodic guitar lines and Hough-Stewart's dynamic drumming.

"Venchen" is one of the standout tracks; Playfair's piano flows alongside Carmichael's sax before the band moves into full folk-rock territory as Stewart's fiddle flies. Blake's classy sax playing returns for "Seven Sisters," combining elegantly with inventive guitar phrases. Alongside Robson's rock riffs on "Becoming," Michael Murray adds an impressive tenor sax solo before a call-and-response section with the guitarist.

Whether home is a place, a feeling, or simply where the heart is, it acts as Robson's inspiration for this album. It rises strongly to the surface in "Searching For Home," which opens with a lilting air on the fiddle before building to a folk-rock section leading to a sax improv before a slower fiddle ending. Thoughts of home also surface in the atmospheric "Heartspace" and "We Won't Leave."

Robson demonstrates masterful control in the combinations of his lead instruments and mention must be made of Watson and the two piano and drum duos who expertly navigate the differing rhythmic interplay between folk and jazz. This is particularly evident on Golden Ball, where a plaintive fiddle melody evolves through creative percussion, skillful guitar work and delicate piano passages toward an uplifting conclusion. The album radiates passion and warmth while delivering musical and emotional surprises throughout. Robson and his talented collaborators artfully blur genre boundaries, crafting them into a distinctive and rewarding musical blend.