SAMUEL EAGLES QUARTET – Next Beginning
F-IRECD 72
Samuel Eagles (alto & soprano saxophones); Ralph Wyld (vibraphone); Fergus Ireland (double bass); Eric Ford (drums)
Recorded - no date given
An extraordinarily accomplished debut from alto saxophonist, Eagles, that is full of vitality and individual enough to ensure that he stands out from the crowd. Eagles freely acknowledges the influence of Kenny Garrett on his playing, and if ‘The Place I Live’ is straight out of the Garrett songbook in terms of sound and structure, elsewhere the altoist sets out his stall bringing forth another seven original compositions that make quite an impact over the course of the album.
One of the striking aspects of the disc is the unusual instrumentation, sans chordal instrument, in favour of the vibes of Ralph Wyld and thus opening up the compositions considerably. The arrangements are rhythmically tight and interestingly arranged, yet also allow the music to flow effortlessly. The restraint of the quartet in this sparser context is quite remarkable with no one in any rush to fill the open spaces, and it is this restraint that brings out the character in Samuel’s punchy and muscular compositions.
The opening cut, ‘Remembering Myself’ sets the mood, with some controlled drumming from Eric Ford anchoring the piece solidly, whilst Eagles shows his reflective side on ’50 Pound Friendship’ giving full rein to his full alto sound, and also features a beautiful solo from Wyld. Never allowing the listener to become complacent, things get shaken up once again on ‘We Were Meant To Be’ that exchanges sentiment for a declamatory statement with a tough opening theme that gives way to a swinging rhythmic momentum for the vibesman before the alto saxophone enters in a nicely measured solo over broken drum patterns and sparse commentary from Wyld.
In a burgeoning market of new recordings becoming readily available on small imprints, and the ever increasing number of download only releases it would be a shame if this fine album was to overlooked. If you check out only one newcomer this year, then Samuel Eagles deserves your attention.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
F-IRECD 72
Samuel Eagles (alto & soprano saxophones); Ralph Wyld (vibraphone); Fergus Ireland (double bass); Eric Ford (drums)
Recorded - no date given
An extraordinarily accomplished debut from alto saxophonist, Eagles, that is full of vitality and individual enough to ensure that he stands out from the crowd. Eagles freely acknowledges the influence of Kenny Garrett on his playing, and if ‘The Place I Live’ is straight out of the Garrett songbook in terms of sound and structure, elsewhere the altoist sets out his stall bringing forth another seven original compositions that make quite an impact over the course of the album.
One of the striking aspects of the disc is the unusual instrumentation, sans chordal instrument, in favour of the vibes of Ralph Wyld and thus opening up the compositions considerably. The arrangements are rhythmically tight and interestingly arranged, yet also allow the music to flow effortlessly. The restraint of the quartet in this sparser context is quite remarkable with no one in any rush to fill the open spaces, and it is this restraint that brings out the character in Samuel’s punchy and muscular compositions.
The opening cut, ‘Remembering Myself’ sets the mood, with some controlled drumming from Eric Ford anchoring the piece solidly, whilst Eagles shows his reflective side on ’50 Pound Friendship’ giving full rein to his full alto sound, and also features a beautiful solo from Wyld. Never allowing the listener to become complacent, things get shaken up once again on ‘We Were Meant To Be’ that exchanges sentiment for a declamatory statement with a tough opening theme that gives way to a swinging rhythmic momentum for the vibesman before the alto saxophone enters in a nicely measured solo over broken drum patterns and sparse commentary from Wyld.
In a burgeoning market of new recordings becoming readily available on small imprints, and the ever increasing number of download only releases it would be a shame if this fine album was to overlooked. If you check out only one newcomer this year, then Samuel Eagles deserves your attention.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
