A “shieling” is a shelter used in the summer to look after livestock on pastureland. It encompasses a nomadic lifestyle and connects to the Scottish traditions and music that are such an influence on Fergus McCreadie’s music. Fergus embarked on his own wandering, journeying to a cottage in Lochmaddy on North Uist in the Hebrides. A fellow nomad on this journey was the Yamaha piano transported from Essex for the sessions! The tracks were recorded over three days when the trio were joined by Laura Jurd to produce and shape the album.
Locating to the Hebrides for this recording seems to have strengthened the impact of Scottish traditional music on McCreadie’s own music. Some tracks utilise a drone-like effect reminiscent of Scottish bagpipes. It features on the opening and closing tracks of the album – Wayfinder and The Orange Skyline respectively. The latter is a beautifully wistful melody played over an exquisite bass line and like much of his music captures the essence of the Scottish landscape. The drone effect is also hinted at on other tracks where repeated left-hand motifs and single notes feature. With a few numbers, the Scottish influence is more overt in incorporating traditional forms and melodies. The gentle beginning of Ptarmigan with its lilting melody morphs into a frantic Scottish reel. Climb Through Pinewood sounds much like a traditional folk tune with a lovely short bass solo punctuated by bass drum and rim clicks, which then moves into an improvisation.
My favourite track, The Path Forks, is somewhat typical of the thematic development of much of this music. It begins simply, incorporating a repeated left-hand figure, the simplicity giving space to let the melody sing. Stephen Henderson’s drums begin gently as the theme develops and builds in intensity, so that eventually the percussion kicks up a storm – all of which is underpinned by David Bowden’s lyrical bass playing.
Fergus felt the stay in a small cottage captured a unique energy from the trio. That energy is very evident in tracks like Eagle Hunt where the tune develops into a storm of piano and drums. There’s also the quiet energy of Lily Bay, a slow, wistful number. The trio have created a quite beautiful and intimate album that is a significant development in McCreadie’s musical vision.
Fergus McCreadie – Piano
David Bowden – Double Bass
Stephen Henderson – Drums
One Response
it’s just occurred to me that UKJN – in it’s old existence – covered the first collaboration between Laura Jurd and Fergus McCreadie Trio. at the Islay Jazz Festival 2019!
https://londonjazznews.com/2019/09/22/lagavulin-islay-jazz-festival/