The Lighthouse Trio was formed six years ago to develop pieces by reeds-player Tim Garland, inspired by the acoustics of the north-east's St Mary's Lighthouse. Garland and pianist Gwilym Simcock share the writing, reflecting folk as much as contemporary jazz. Here there are dazzlingly agile, time-juggling sprints where the playful spirit of Garland's sometimes employer Chick Corea seems present, some punchy funk triggered by Simcock's work with dance DJs, and a strong infusion of Celtic lyricism. While there are one or two desultory compositional passages, the soloing is eloquent and at times thrilling, with Garland's gentle slurs glowing through the slow pieces, Simcock's imperious drive igniting the fast ones, and drummer Asaf Sirkis sounding like a percussion choir all by himself.
Contributor
John Fordham
John Fordham is the Guardian's main jazz critic. He has written several books on the subject, reported on it for publications including Time Out, Sounds, Wire and Word, and contributed to documentaries for radio and TV. He is a former editor of Time Out, City Limits and Jazz UK, and regularly contributes to BBC Radio 3's Jazz on 3
John Fordham
The GuardianTramp
