Having worked for a number of years with Scottish band Brass Jaw, as well as releasing his own album Laphroaig-ian Slip, Quigley's experience shines through in this new set of originals which suggests the passion of early '60s hard-bop and early '70s fusion, yet is up to date in forward-thinking appeal. Here is music born out of strong compositional melody which, in turn, sparks honest improvisational freedom. And while it features the leader's assured, incisive trumpet, the sense of group coequality remains blissfully evident throughout this near hour long session.
The swinging "Doctor Stage" couldn't be more infectious, Paul Booth's effervescent tenor imaginings leaping off one of Quigley's memorable, Freddie Hubbard-style unison riffs ahead of the trumpeter's own, soaring improvisations. Slowly shifting "Fire Eyes" shimmers broadly to Steve Hamilton's piano and Clarence Penn's soft-malleted percussion - a towering landscape of romantic horn textures embellished by distant, stadium-fanfare trumpet.
This release - bookended by lyrical, echoic solo trumpet - finds Ryan Quigley delighting in the opportunity of working with good friends who share his innate desire for musical integrity, and whom he also counts amongst his musical heroes. "My hope is that this recording captures something of that ambition, and that listeners can feel its warmth, depth of feeling... and friendship".
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