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John Donegan - The Irish Sextet: Light Streams
ByOnce again, Donegan delivers a program of ten original compositions. The format, as on Shadows Linger, stays faithful to the classic hard-bop school of jazz, with catchy headsplayed in richly textured unison by tenor saxophonist Richie Buckley, alto and soprano saxophonist Michael Buckley and trumpeter Linley Hamiltonpreceding a feast of impassioned solos. Drummer John Daly and bassist Dan Bodwellpossibly the only Irish-speaking American in the countryswing hard, though theirs is a partnership of subtly shifting dynamics which warrants a close ear.
There is more than a hint of John Coltrane's blueprint on "What's This?," with the Buckleys' barreling solos and Donegan's muscular, McCoy Tyner-esque riposte walking a thin line between homage and the sincerest form of flattery. Still, it is hard to resist the tidal force of the collective passion. The Buckley brothers, who carry on a rich family jazz dynasty, are both in compelling form throughout. So too is Hamilton, with his intervention on "Reflect on This" being an album highlight.
Donegan's arrangements take full advantage of the dynamics at his disposal; his multi-part horn linesfor unison and counterpointare handsomely committed, while the freer passages that invite saxophones and trumpet to play fast and loose, notably on "Showtime," share something of the swagger of Charles Mingus' ensembles.
However, some of the most alluring play comes at slower tempi. Donegan pens a pretty ballad, with Bodwell delivering a fine solo on the brushes-steered "Along Came Freddie," while tender solos from Michael Buckley, on soprano, and Richie, on tenor, illuminate "Close Nearby." The pick of the bunch is the impressionistic title track, which features an enchanting flute solo from Michael Buckley, and a beautifully weighted response from the leader.
There is a fluid round of baton-passing on the brightly swinging "Seb's Story" and samba-fueled exuberance on "Sinto-me Bem." Donegan is the sole protagonist of "Sonorial," a delicate piano miniature which shows a more introspective side of his playing. The sextet finishes on a rousing note with "Blues for KJ;" Burning solos pepper this infectious number, with its shades of Fats Domino's blues shuffle and proto-rock 'n' roll jambalaya.
With good tunes, handsome arrangements and more cracking solos than one can shake a hurl at, this is a highly enjoyable set from the veteran Irish pianist and a sextet which is really into its stride.
Track Listing
What’s This?; Close Nearby; Reflect On This; Along Came Freddie; Seb’s Story; Light Streams; Showtime; Sonorial; Sinto-me Bem; Blues for KJ
Personnel
John Donegan
pianoMichael Buckley
saxophoneRichie Buckley
saxophoneLinley Hamilton
trumpetJohn Daly
drumsDan Bodwell
bass, acousticAdditional Instrumentation
John Donegan: piano; Michael Buckley: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Richie Buckley: tenor saxophone; Linley Hamilton: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dan Bodwell: double bass; John Daley: drums.
Album information
Title: Light Streams | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Jayde Records
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