The work of an experienced, at times, experimental Irish jazz trio led by guitarist Aengus Hackett from Galway, the brain behind these instrumentals - joined by bassist Derek Whyte and by drummer Matthew Jacobson. A studio album recorded in County Wicklow, Hackett's sound makes us think of the style of long time doyen of the Sligo jazz scene Mike Nielsen who is certainly a kindred spirit and with whom Hackett has worked. Tunes make you stick around. Best track is the electronics shrouded 'Gerrymandering' that has firm bass developmental scene setting from Whyte reminiscent of the John Edwards manner in freeness situations and some detunery from Hackett that Mary Halvorson has done so much to bring the practice of which to the fore. Whyte's arco passages on 'The Ineffable' are also a firm favourite of ours. And 'Requiem for the Natural World' even sounds a little Nordic so much so that fans of Eivind Aarset might even be drawn to its brightening air.
Aengus Hackett, photo: press
Out on 24 April
Tags: reviews