KEVIN LAWLOR - Stramash
Self Release
Kevin Lawlor (drums); Kelan Walsh (saxophone); Patrick Molitor (piano, keyboards); Jack Rufus Kelly (double bass)
with Colm Lindsay (guitar); Alex O’Keeffe (guitar); Emer Collins (violin); Emily Redmond (viola); Beth Powell (cello)
This is an exciting and exhilarating listen from drummer, Kevin Lawlor, and the fourth release under his leadership for which he has written all the material. The music is tough and sometimes uncompromising . Strong themes, tight rhythmic grooves, and punchy arrangements that are flexible enough to let the band dig in with some meaty improvisations.
Hailing from Southern Ireland, Lawlor's album takes its title from the Scottish noun, Stramash (struh-mash or stram-uh sh) meaning an uproar or disturbance; something that the drummer and his cohorts certainly kick up here. 'Ten Dentists Dancing' is a great title for a track, apparently inspired by a "friend's misguided trip to a jazz club to go dancing" and is a smart way to open the set. Working off a bass riff that then brings in the rest of the band. There is a lovely guitar solo from Colm Lindsay, and some equally lyrical playing from saxophonist Kelan Walsh.
Just as you settle into the sound of the band, the music kicks up a notch. 'Hacker' ups the ante after a quiet and controlled drum intro and rhythmic groove before Alex O'Keefe's guitar solo. With a rock edge to his sound, O'Keefe's short outburst is a taste of what's to come, and a challenge taken up by Walsh as he looks to push his own solos a little harder. All the time the rhythm section keep a tight rein on proceedings and this in turn creates a delicious tension that is prevalent throughout.
Keeping the music interesting and varied across the album, Lawlor introduces a string trio into the mix for 'Easy For Me To Say', and the arrangement is cleverly and carefully written blending into the sonic palette that the group have already established. The net result is that the addition of the strings is not a bolt on, but a natural extension that enhances the music greatly.
The second half of the album is given over to the 'Storm Suite' comprising three movements or themes, 'Stramash', 'Storm' and 'Lighthouse'. It is not clear if this is the complete suite or extracts from a longer work, but either way this is a fine way to close the set. 'Stramash' Lawlor says is for "the chaotic nature of our winter weather", and indeed with another fine solo from Colm Lindsay and some great work from bassist, Jack Rufus Kelly in setting up Kelan Walsh's more tumultuous outing. Yet, this is till the calm before the 'Storm' with a repetitive opening motif along with atmospheric keyboards and guitar backdrop. It is then left to saxophonist, Walsh to introduce the theme then quickly whipping up a storm with his solo. Playing with a steely yet pliable tone and a sure sense of how far to push his solos within the context of the music.
Bringing the suite and the album to a close is 'Lighthouse' which is a neat summation of all that has gone before. The longest track at nearly ten minutes there are no longueurs and this is the beauty in Lawlor's compositions. Sound melodic ideas and a way in which to present them that is quite compelling. Repeated listening has continued to bring forth new delights, not least in the drummer's own contribution at the kit, which like his compositions and arrangements, neat, tidy and concise. A lovely album and highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release
Kevin Lawlor (drums); Kelan Walsh (saxophone); Patrick Molitor (piano, keyboards); Jack Rufus Kelly (double bass)
with Colm Lindsay (guitar); Alex O’Keeffe (guitar); Emer Collins (violin); Emily Redmond (viola); Beth Powell (cello)
This is an exciting and exhilarating listen from drummer, Kevin Lawlor, and the fourth release under his leadership for which he has written all the material. The music is tough and sometimes uncompromising . Strong themes, tight rhythmic grooves, and punchy arrangements that are flexible enough to let the band dig in with some meaty improvisations.
Hailing from Southern Ireland, Lawlor's album takes its title from the Scottish noun, Stramash (struh-mash or stram-uh sh) meaning an uproar or disturbance; something that the drummer and his cohorts certainly kick up here. 'Ten Dentists Dancing' is a great title for a track, apparently inspired by a "friend's misguided trip to a jazz club to go dancing" and is a smart way to open the set. Working off a bass riff that then brings in the rest of the band. There is a lovely guitar solo from Colm Lindsay, and some equally lyrical playing from saxophonist Kelan Walsh.
Just as you settle into the sound of the band, the music kicks up a notch. 'Hacker' ups the ante after a quiet and controlled drum intro and rhythmic groove before Alex O'Keefe's guitar solo. With a rock edge to his sound, O'Keefe's short outburst is a taste of what's to come, and a challenge taken up by Walsh as he looks to push his own solos a little harder. All the time the rhythm section keep a tight rein on proceedings and this in turn creates a delicious tension that is prevalent throughout.
Keeping the music interesting and varied across the album, Lawlor introduces a string trio into the mix for 'Easy For Me To Say', and the arrangement is cleverly and carefully written blending into the sonic palette that the group have already established. The net result is that the addition of the strings is not a bolt on, but a natural extension that enhances the music greatly.
The second half of the album is given over to the 'Storm Suite' comprising three movements or themes, 'Stramash', 'Storm' and 'Lighthouse'. It is not clear if this is the complete suite or extracts from a longer work, but either way this is a fine way to close the set. 'Stramash' Lawlor says is for "the chaotic nature of our winter weather", and indeed with another fine solo from Colm Lindsay and some great work from bassist, Jack Rufus Kelly in setting up Kelan Walsh's more tumultuous outing. Yet, this is till the calm before the 'Storm' with a repetitive opening motif along with atmospheric keyboards and guitar backdrop. It is then left to saxophonist, Walsh to introduce the theme then quickly whipping up a storm with his solo. Playing with a steely yet pliable tone and a sure sense of how far to push his solos within the context of the music.
Bringing the suite and the album to a close is 'Lighthouse' which is a neat summation of all that has gone before. The longest track at nearly ten minutes there are no longueurs and this is the beauty in Lawlor's compositions. Sound melodic ideas and a way in which to present them that is quite compelling. Repeated listening has continued to bring forth new delights, not least in the drummer's own contribution at the kit, which like his compositions and arrangements, neat, tidy and concise. A lovely album and highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
