Meg Morley: Through The Hours

Pianist Meg Morley's debut solo release, Through The Hours features five original compositions that highlight the London-based musician's talent for what fellow pianist and composer Kit Downes refers to as her "Subtle voicings and elegant turns of phrase."

Morley is originally from Australia, where she studied classical music and jazz, but has been resident in London since 2010. Her day job is as pianist for the English National Ballet School: she has also worked with choreographer Matthew Bourne and the Rambert Dance Company as well as being a member of jazz trio MIA Panboola. Her style reflects her classical training, while also drawing on her ability as an improviser.

As might be expected of a musician who works closely with dancers, much of Through The Hours has a strong rhythmic feel. On "In Your Shadow" this combines with a lyrical, romantic, melody. On "Little Miss" the rhythm is generally funkier, more light-hearted. "Rush Hour" opens in a laid-back, calm, fashion before the urgency of the title gradually reveals itself, Morley's playing becoming more aggressive and percussive before calmness briefly returns. The title track is a graceful piece: Morley conjures up a haunting, at times unsettling, mood that finally resolves back to the gentle opening melody on a tune inspired by a famous London landmark (she doesn't reveal which one). "Drift" is another evocative tune: this time the flowing melody and rolling rhythm seemingly tell a tale of lost, or unrequited, love (or perhaps it's a tune inspired by the shifting snows of winter...).

Through The Hours is an EP rather than a full-length album. Morley promises a trio album set for release within a few months of this record and featuring Richard Sadler on bass and Emiliano Caroselli on drums. On the evidence presented by Through The Hours, the album will be one to watch out for.