The nominations of writers in All About Jazz inspired me to check out Fergus McCreadie, in particular his latest album “Stream”, already a candidate for jazz album of the year. First of all, he was brought up in Dollar (that’s in Scotland not the USA) and now lives in Glasgow. He studied at the Royal Music Conservatoire there. His first album was “Turas” (Gaelic for journey); his second “Cairn” (2020) on Edition records. His third was “Forest Floor” and it topped the UK Jazz chart. There is also an album called “North” and an EP called “Sketches” (2023) which is solo piano, harking back to his KEITH JARRETT influence (although this did not come from his “Köln Concert” but more from Jarrett’s works of the 90s). His long-standing group (bass and drums) have played in a Scottish pipes and flute quintet and Fergus himself likes the sound of the Uiellann Pipes.
So, what of “Stream” – well, I must say I agree with AAJ’s assessment. After tour de force opener ‘Storm’ sets the scene, ‘The Crossing’ starts with double bass (David Bowden) and subtle brush work (drummer Stephen Henderson); this piece, over 12 minutes long, crescendos beautifully to build on its strong thematic base with dazzling piano. ‘Driftwood’ opens with a neat little drum break, then swings like hell with running bass and clever variations and a suggestion of Scottish/ Irish traditional music. The evocative Storm Gate’ reaffirms this traditional folk influence, utilising some bowed bass and deftness of touch by all the players; quite brilliant. ‘Lochan Coire Ardaig’ clocks in at 13-minutes and is another breathtaking piece and closer, the visceral ‘Coastline’, would bring a tear to a glass eye.
Others have commented that sometimes McCreadie’s refreshingly original take on jazz can sound as if Ceilidh music had met with McCOY TURNER or Celtic traditions have been put in a blender with swing and funk grooves. For the record, the pianist’s own stated influences include DUKE ELLINGTON, OSCAR PETERSON, JELLY ROLL MORTON, and in more recent times BRAD MEHLDAU (another refreshingly original pianist) and, of course, KEITH JARRETT.
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