RICHARD GLASSBY QUARTET - Eclipse
Self Release - Available from Bandcamp
Richard Glassby (drums); Simon Herberholz (tenor saxophone); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Ewan Hastie (double bass)
This is another highly impressive debut album to come from Scotland of late, this time led by drummer Richard Glassby with a quartet that looks to the classic quartet of sax and rhythm section to see what they can bring to it, and learn from it, as opposed to trying to push the boundaries taking the music somewhere else altogether.
In a set of all original material penned by the drummer, his first instrument was piano that has stood him in good stead for composing, that looks to establish a grounding for his fellow musicians to establish a place for themselves in the music and overall group sound and concept.
If the opening of 'A Subtle Change' and 'Eclipse' nod in the direction of Coltrane's classic quartet, then Glassby has the good sense not to take the logical route and pursue the idea to death but, to coin a phrase, uses these references to take the music in unexpected but cleverly logical directions. Saxophonist, Simon Herberholz clearly relishes these compositions but is no Coltrane copyist, and indeed it is not difficult t hear the influences of Dexter Gordon and the mighty George Coleman in the way he develops his solos.
Pianist, Fergus McCreadie is becoming a ubiquitous presence, appearing on several recent releases and of course riding high with his own trio who have just released their latest album, Cairn, on Edition Records, however his contribution on this album is somewhat of a revelation. His playing as befits the context, is straight ahead and hard hitting. His comping is assured and always at the heart of the music. His solos reveal a deep knowledge of bebop and hard bop of the late fifties and early sixties, and his contribution to the punchy 'What The Bop' is jaw dropping. And jaw dropping is exactly the right way to describe the album's closing track, 'Final Thought'. A solo piano piece written by Glassby the night before the recording session, and recorded by McCreadie in one single take with no prior run through. From his opening introduction, the pianist brings the composition to life from a cascade of notes to gradually introducing the melody, and allowing his thoughts and the music to coalesce in a truly memorable performance.
Throughout the album there are many moments that surprise and delight, unexpected twists in the tunes that keep the both the quartet and listener on their toes, and introduce another group of fine young musicians that are making music at an exceptionally high level.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release - Available from Bandcamp
Richard Glassby (drums); Simon Herberholz (tenor saxophone); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Ewan Hastie (double bass)
This is another highly impressive debut album to come from Scotland of late, this time led by drummer Richard Glassby with a quartet that looks to the classic quartet of sax and rhythm section to see what they can bring to it, and learn from it, as opposed to trying to push the boundaries taking the music somewhere else altogether.
In a set of all original material penned by the drummer, his first instrument was piano that has stood him in good stead for composing, that looks to establish a grounding for his fellow musicians to establish a place for themselves in the music and overall group sound and concept.
If the opening of 'A Subtle Change' and 'Eclipse' nod in the direction of Coltrane's classic quartet, then Glassby has the good sense not to take the logical route and pursue the idea to death but, to coin a phrase, uses these references to take the music in unexpected but cleverly logical directions. Saxophonist, Simon Herberholz clearly relishes these compositions but is no Coltrane copyist, and indeed it is not difficult t hear the influences of Dexter Gordon and the mighty George Coleman in the way he develops his solos.
Pianist, Fergus McCreadie is becoming a ubiquitous presence, appearing on several recent releases and of course riding high with his own trio who have just released their latest album, Cairn, on Edition Records, however his contribution on this album is somewhat of a revelation. His playing as befits the context, is straight ahead and hard hitting. His comping is assured and always at the heart of the music. His solos reveal a deep knowledge of bebop and hard bop of the late fifties and early sixties, and his contribution to the punchy 'What The Bop' is jaw dropping. And jaw dropping is exactly the right way to describe the album's closing track, 'Final Thought'. A solo piano piece written by Glassby the night before the recording session, and recorded by McCreadie in one single take with no prior run through. From his opening introduction, the pianist brings the composition to life from a cascade of notes to gradually introducing the melody, and allowing his thoughts and the music to coalesce in a truly memorable performance.
Throughout the album there are many moments that surprise and delight, unexpected twists in the tunes that keep the both the quartet and listener on their toes, and introduce another group of fine young musicians that are making music at an exceptionally high level.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
