Ali Watson: Terrarium

Scottish jazz has recently seen many artists find their inspiration from their landscape, history, geography and heritage. The effect on bassist Ali Watson has seen him mix Scottish folk with contemporary jazz and classical music to develop a musical style that strives to provide an escape from the unrelenting sensory inputs that can pervade modern life.

His debut album is named Terrarium. Those with a horticultural interest will know that a terrarium is typically a sealed glass container housing a miniature garden. This creates an ecosystem and has an atmosphere different from its surroundings. It is initially man-made and gradually nature takes over. This parallels the music, as Watson wants his tunes to develop organically and "to create a piece of work which really draws you into its own world."

He is joined in this endeavor by another artist who has found inspiration in Scottish culture on his previous albums, tenor saxophonist Matt Carmichael. They are joined by the first musician from the UK to win the Billboard Award at Berklee College of Music, pianist Alan Benzie. The quartet is completed by the subtle drumming of Greg Irons. Watson composed the nine tracks that make up the album.

Benzie's gently percussive piano introduces the opening track, "Glen," and is soon joined by Watson's bass as they develop a melody. The plaintive lilt of Carmichael's sax melody pauses for a bass solo before developing into an impressive improvisation as Irons' drums drive a little more pace. "Moss" develops into a more lively affair initially driven by Irons' shuffling and scuffling drums, Benzie's inventive comps and Watson's fine solo. Carmichael's sax flows as the others confidently respond and interact. "Earth" is slow and expressive, reminiscent of a Scottish air, featuring Watson and Iron.

The title track is one of the highlights. Benzie's piano builds a sense of expectation and builds into a folk-tinged melody. There is a first-rate piano improv with inventive bass and drum interactions. Carmichael's sax hovers mostly in the background, adding texture before soaring above the melody near the close. "Solace" is relaxed as a lush sax melody combines with an atmospheric piano exploration. The album closes with "Oak." Piano and bass combine over a repeated beat with gentle sax layers. It melts away to leave one uplifted, relaxed and as intended, away from modern life.

The album is often quiet and languid with space as a key element allowing the compositions to breathe. There is some complexity at times but also power in their tenderness, as the quartet uses instrumental colors and textures to create intimate and evocative atmospheres. This is melodic and engaging escapist music that can carry you away and makes for an immersive experience.

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