Modern Vikings – ‘Tales of the Skald’

Tales of the Skald is the first album from drummer Stephen Henderson‘s quintet, Modern Vikings, which has existed with unchanged personnel since 2018. The group includes his band mates Fergus McCreadie and David Bowden from the award-winning Fergus McCreadie Trio – along with two stars from an older generation of Scottish jazz musicians – guitarist Graeme Stephen and saxophonist Konrad Wisniewski – whose presence in this younger company is a source of joy throughout.

Skald is a Norse word for a particular type of poet, composer or bard – making music commemorating the heroes. Modern Vikings clearly does that: this is modern jazz music with influences deeply embedded.

One might imagine that Modern Vikings could sound like an extended version of McCreadie’s trio, but it is a very different project with a sound of its own. There are several excellent piano and bass solos – but it is part of a whole which is distinct from the trio’s work. There are folk elements, but they are low-key here, just one element in a more extensive mix.

For Henderson’s part, the focus here is on his composing. One of the most exciting drummers in the Scottish scene, he only takes two significant drum solos in the course of the album. His playing supports the tunes and the other musicians who are freed up by his compositions.

The fact that there are two chordal instruments in this group means that Stephen’s role often consists of enriching textures, such as during McCreadie’s solo on Oslo, during which he adds accents and emphasis on top of McCreadie’s playing. Stephen’s own solos – such as slow, moody and abstract on Night Sky, aided by a variety of pedals and effects, or upbeat and melodic on Back Home or Tales of the Skald – emphasise his empathetic playing.

Wisniewski, perhaps best known for his forceful playing on the bigger stage with SNJO and for his stellar contribution to the chamber duo New Focus, contributes a scalding solo to Carson which raises it to another level. On the gentle, reflective November, he brings emotional clarity, fluency and authenticity.

Tales from the Skald is a powerful, energetic record, with plenty of rhythmic interest and incident (though nothing you couldn’t tap your foot to), with outstanding playing from all involved.

Patrick Hadfield lives in Edinburgh, occasionally takes photographs, and sometimes blogs at On the Beat. He is @patrickhadfield@mastodon.scot on Mastodon.

Modern Vikings are touring from the end of August to early October, with gigs at the Catstand, New Galloway (30 August); the Globe, Newcastle (1 September); Perth Theatre (13 September); Lancaster Jazz Festival (14 September); Jazz at the Merchants House, Glasgow (22 September); Soundhouse at the Traverse, Edinburgh (23 September); the Blue Lamp, Aberdeen (26 September); and Jazz at the Lescar, Sheffield (2 October).