This is the debut album of the highly talented tenor saxophonist Helena Kay. After studies at the Guildhall School of Music she has appeared at clubs and festivals, particularly in Scotland. Kay has also won awards: 2015’s Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year and 2017’s Peter Whittingham Jazz Award. In addition to her instrumental skills, Kay is also a composer of merit and five of her compositions are heard here.
Although some of these works take their titles from places and things that have a personal meaning to the composer, musically they are all very accessible works. The other two tracks are Charlie Parker’s “Kim” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust”. The instrumentation of this trio is unusual in that there is no keyboard. Ireland and Ingamells provide pulsating support for Kay and also have occasional solos, Ireland extensively.
Individually and collectively these three very good contemporary jazz musicians are always melodic and entertaining.
Discography
L and D; Feijãao; Kim; Strawberry Terrace; Perry St; Moon Palace; Stardust (38.28)
Kay (ts); Ferg Ireland (b); David Ingamells (d). London. February 2018.
Ubuntu Music 0018
