Gently insistent and reflective music from the Glasgow jazz scene and a wonderful quartet led by bassist / composer Ali Watson. With a beautiful album ‘Terrarium’ released in 2024, their music is full of lyrical folk melodies, colourful harmony, intimate instrumental textures and subtly propellant grooves, played by some of the most celebrated and in-demand young voices in Scottish Jazz, multi-award winning Fergus McCreadie on piano, saxophonist Matt Carmichael (Fergus McCreadie, WDR Big Band, corto.alto), and the highly sought after Greg Irons on drums.
"A must-listen for those intrigued by their unique approach to jazz.” – NYC Jazz Record
Bassist Ali Watson formed his quartet in 2022, performing sell-out shows at the Edinburgh and Glasgow Jazz Festivals as well as in Aberdeen and London. He’s also a member of saxophonist Matt Carmichael’s acclaimed Quintet, who you may have caught recently playing at Sheffield Jazz at Crookes Social Club. Approachable and melodic his music shows the clear influence of Scottish Folk, classical impressionism as well as his inspirations including Aaron Parks, Kit Downes and Larry Grenadier.
Fergus McCreadie is simply one of the most exciting pianists on the world stage today with a fleetness of touch and no shortage of bravura he leads a trio who’s blend of jazz and Scottish folk music is both thrilling and beautiful in equal measure, leading to universal praise, a Mercury Prize shortlist nomination, sold out concerts, critical praise, and international tours. His album Forest Floor won the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2022, the first jazz artist to receive the prize, and he won the Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the Year award in the same year.
Saxophonist Matt Carmichael was heralded by BBC Music Magazine as "a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene”, his own award-winning band has performed internationally at venues including the Bimhuis, Fasching, Celtic Connections, Ronnie Scott’s, and Love Supreme. Alongside this he has been working as a soloist and arranger with the Grammy Award-winning WDR Big Band and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. His latest album was released earlier this year.
Another rising star, Greg Irons is simply one of the most in-demand drummers around, performing with Matt Carmichael and many others, and bringing subtle drive and texture to the music.
A really unmissable gig from four of the most acclaimed musicians on the flourishing Scottish jazz scene.
