The Goo 1
Albums Jacobson) playing instrumental, open form
music that sounds like a band completely comfortable with what they are doing as opposed to a tentative debut trying to cover multiple bases. Combining the cosmic and the gnarly in what might be called stretched out garage music, there are echoes of Michael Rother’s Neu and Harmonia 70’s hey day and the improvised fluidity of jazz trio the Necks. In fact the later group give a template of sorts of how an improvisation leaning trio can mine gold: if you put in enough hours playing together, whole new dimensions can open up for unconscious musical alchemy. hyperlynx, with 17 years playing together in various settings, seem to possess that magic. The songs ebb, flow and circle around sparkling guitar filigrees and hypnotic bass lines or else build, as the title track does, to a peak of saturated intensity replete with electronic noises rarely heard on record. The music challenges but does not have the jarring effect of the highly experimental, instead there is loose, organic but serene vibe across the album. Highly recommended for fans of ambient, left field jazz, Tortoise, soundtrack music, electronica and anyone wanting to hear how far the horizons of Irish music are expanding. This is confident and authentic ensemble playing, tipping a hat to the past but building forward looking music. toe-tappin’ ‘n finger snappin’ genres. It’s a tribute to the band’s standing on the Irish scene that they are joined here throughout by Ireland’s leading jazz musician, tenor sax player, Michael Buckley. The dialogue between all four is hip and assured. Hennesy’s command of the blues is especially impressive, but it’s Moon’s yearning and vulnerable vocals that make the greatest impression. In every sense, a very cool release. Organ Freeman - Busywork - Billy O’Hanluain Thanks to a Sunday residency that has run for many years in The Big Romance, the brilliantly named “Organ Freeman Trio” have nurtured not just a loyal following for their music, but crucially they have also been given the space in which develop their own sound as a group. Though rooted in the classic 1960’s sound of the Hammond organ trio, that evokes the music of Jimmy Smith and the gospel drenched strains of Soul Jazz, the Organ Freeman trio (Charlie Moon, vocals/guitar, Daragh Hennesy, organ, Dominic Mullan, drums) more than manage to render a wonderfully contemporary take on a decade’s old tradition. Originals such as “St. Jame’s Gate”, “Skits and Kidneys”, and “Moonlight Dames” ensure that what might have been mere tributes or pastiche become compelling reworkings of one of jazz music’s most 12 Ronan Guilfoyle’s Bemusement Arcade - At Swing Two Birds - Billy O’Hanluain “At Swing Two Birds” by Ronan Guilfoyle’s latest ensemble “Bemusement Arcade” is the second release of contemporary Irish jazz on the newly revived Livia Records label that has until now focused on re-releasing classic recordings by Louis Stewart. Guilfoyle’s credentials as a composer, bassist, and educator are peerless within the context of Irish jazz. Like many greats of the genre, he has that knack of gathering around him the brightest and most adventurous younger players to execute his ideas with precision and cutting contemporary flair. The impeccable drumming of Darren Beckett will be familiar to many Irish jazz fans from his work with Dave Redmond and George Colligan, he compliments Guilfoyle’s bass brilliantly with his dynamic yet super sensitive playing, the opening track “Diversionary Tactics” starts with a masterclass in drum and bass. Chris Guilfoyle, guitar, proves himself to be a soloist with an abundance of fresh ideas, weaving in and around the tunes with an impressive command of time and groove, but it’s Sam Norris, alto sax, who makes the most vivid impression. Guilfoyle’s music can be technically daunting, especially from a rhythmic perspective, and the selection of tunes here are no exception, but they are also, on this album, profoundly lyrical, “Dulcettia” written for Ronan’s grand daughter being a case in point, features Norris at his most tender and probing. The standout track “At Swing Two Birds” is not only an ingenious wordplay, but also a fusion of two Charlie Parker themes that proves that intellect and a sense of musical fun are not mutually exclusive. A most rewarding listen.