Max Millar Music

Tag: fusion

  • Robson Finds his Home with Momentous Debut

    Robson Finds his Home with Momentous Debut


    Joe Robson – Home (feat. Seamus Blake)

    Wilson’s Castle Productions

    ★★★★★

    Normally when bandleaders announce themselves with a debut album of such mastery, we already know their name, have seen them at Ronnie Scott’s, have heard them as a sideman or some Edition or Whirlwind records, and have been eagerly awaiting their “Introducing…” release. That was not the case with this relatively unknown Scottish guitarist who appears to have been doing his work in the dark before bursting into the light with an album of the year contender.

    Joe Robson’s debut album Home is a work of lyrical intimacy and understated virtuosity that feels nostalgic and familiar, yet startlingly fresh without ever being predictable. With this project, the guitarist-composer offers an evocative meditation on belonging, memory, and the places we carry within us, drawing on a deep well of both Jazz and Celtic traditions while imprinting them with his uniquely personal voice.

    Seamus Blake, ever the alchemist, brings his inimitable sound to “Seven Sisters,” and the opening – and most powerful – track, “Emergence.” Instantly recognisable from his first note, his solos resonate with the kind of emotional authenticity that defines this record, delivering rapid-fire runs, intricate harmonic ideas, and seamless shifts between registers with an ease that borders on the supernatural.  However, Seamus’s contribution seems to me more the icing on the cake than a core ingredient. Whilst I understand why, “feat. Seamus Blake,” was used so prominently in the title and artwork, I feel it maybe distracts from quite how special this core band is, with a sound that sits somewhere in the realms of melodic modern jazz, contemporary Scottish folk, Nordic post-rock and neoclassical. 

    Throughout, Robson’s compositions are striking in their clarity and emotional resonance, with intricate arrangement evolving into free improvisation, never losing the emotive thread which runs through the record like a narrative. There’s no wasted movement or overplaying and many of the solos are concise, often with different soloists trading ideas, inspiring one another. There are a few expansive improvisations like Carmichael’s commanding solos on Searching for Home and Brotherhood, and Robson’s breathtaking guitar solo on Becoming, which has hints of Metheny and Mehldau. These rare moments show Robson’s command of rhythm and harmony, and his depth of jazz vocabulary, in a record where the improvisations serve the music as a whole, rather than merely providing a stage for the soloist to shine.

    In this sense, it is hardly a surprise that there is such unity and chemistry with saxophonist Matt Carmichael’s, whose philosophy of serving the music with his distinctive and creative voice has already established him as a star of British Jazz, with an impressive discography, including the phenomenal Marram (Edition Records). His improvisations are perfectly constructed real-time compositions steeped in the warm inflections of Celtic folk, transforming it into a meditative incantation that soars over the band’s sparkling accompaniment. Altoist, Adam Jackson, is also a creative force with a more cutting, fiery sound, reminding me at times of Tim Berne or Chris Speed. His playing is as emotive as it is inventive, and he pushes boundaries with the content of his phrases and the tone and shape of his sound, creating an almost visceral effect in the listener.  

    There are unexpected turns, when Venchen or Emergence build to a set of original reels, or when Searching for Home descends into a dark, dissonant vortex before emerging with a delicate beauty and sense of hope. Overall, there is a narrative continuity and a distinctive sound which is produced, at least in part, by the timbral blend of the twin saxes weaving in and out of the warm electric guitar and the organic, earthy sound of Charlie Stewart’s fiddle.

    With Home, Joe Robson establishes himself as a rising star in contemporary jazz, one with a voice as poetic as it is quietly powerful. A work that honours its roots while carving out new territory, it is as much a landmark for Scottish jazz as it is a deeply personal statement, one that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final note has sounded. This is music for finding your own sense of home – wherever that might be.

    https://joerobson.bandcamp.com/album/home

  • Rolling on Through the Shadows

    Rolling on Through the Shadows

    Album Review: Silver Shadow by Slowly Rolling Camera
    By Max Millar

    Slowly Rolling Camera has always been an intriguing proposition—a group that blurs the lines between jazz, cinematic soundscapes, and electronica with a singular focus on mood and texture. With their fourth studio album, Silver Shadow, they’ve crafted a rich tapestry of sound that feels like the culmination of their decade-long sonic exploration. The result is a deeply immersive work, striking a balance between their cinematic tendencies and their love of jazz improvisation.

    From their self-titled debut in 2014, Slowly Rolling Camera established themselves as musical alchemists, blending the warm intimacy of soulful vocals with layered electronics and expansive orchestration. As their journey unfolded, albums like All Things and Juniper saw them shedding some of the vocal elements to lean into their instrumental voice, each project reflecting a new evolution of their sound. Silver Shadow feels like a further refinement, as they push their boundaries while embracing collaborations that bring fresh perspectives.

    The album opens with “Rebirth,” a pulsating piece that showcases the group’s knack for combining textural electronics with intricate jazz rhythms. It’s an immediate demonstration of the album’s collaborative strength, featuring saxophonist Josh Arcoleo, whose melodic lines thread seamlessly through the dense layers of sound. This interplay exemplifies the band’s ability to balance structure with freedom—a theme carried throughout the album.

    Saxophonists have played a pivotal role in Slowly Rolling Camera’s development; the presence of Chris Potter on the standout track “The Afternoon of Human night” (2021)is both grounding and transcendent. His unmistakable tone and virtuosic phrasing elevate the track’s atmospheric core, injecting it with moments of raw, unguarded emotion. Similarly, Mark Lockheart’s contributions on “In the Shadows” provide a haunting quality, his lyrical playing effortlessly navigating the tune’s shifting moods.

    What sets Silver Shadow apart from its predecessors is the way Slowly Rolling Camera integrates their collaborative spirit into the album’s DNA. Rather than featuring guest musicians as ornaments to their compositions, the group allows their collaborators to shape the music in profound ways. The dialogues between saxophone, piano, and electronics feel like conversations rather than monologues, creating an album that breathes and evolves organically.

    Sonically, Silver Shadow continues Slowly Rolling Camera’s tradition of high production values, with every note and texture meticulously placed. Dave Stapleton’s lush piano lines and delicate arrangements anchor the album, while Deri Roberts’ production imbues the music with a sense of vastness. The electronic elements remain a core feature, lending a modern edge to the timeless jazz influences.

    The title track, “Silver Shadow,” encapsulates the album’s essence. Built around a hypnotic groove, it gradually expands into a sweeping, cinematic piece, with layers of strings and brass folding into a powerful crescendo. The piece is emblematic of Slowly Rolling Camera’s ability to create music that is both intimate and grand in scale.

    Silver Shadow isn’t just an album; it’s a journey through sound. By bringing in collaborators like Potter, Lockheart, and Arcoleo, Slowly Rolling Camera has enriched their already distinctive sound palette, achieving a rare balance of innovation and cohesion. This is music for those who crave emotional depth and artistic boldness—a testament to a band that refuses to stand still.

    In an era where genres often define boundaries, Slowly Rolling Camera continues to chart their own course, and Silver Shadow is their most compelling voyage yet.