“The original concept for the music was that things can happen to us or around us in cycles and waves as opposed to the way maybe prescribed to us by our diaries, time and other factors.” – David Series.

These words from guitarist and composer David Series regarding the origin of his album Coloured Stones, perhaps speak of that discombobulation felt by many during covid lock-down, but in his case happily led to a favourable outcome: he composed this fine music.

Series is particularly well-known for his band Meerkat Parade and for their two albums – the eponymous 2018 album and Disturbed Nature the following year – but this latest album released in November 2022, is from his new band, Hidden Waves Quartet.

Here he is joined by three ‘A list’ musicians: Paul Harrison on keys; James Lindsay on double bass; and Doug Hough on drums. Colombian Urpi Barco is guest vocalist on track Esperanza, with the inestimable Gus Stirrat as recording engineer.

Series studied for a period in Barcelona, which together with a three-month covid lock-down in Aragon, means the Spanish influence on his jazz compositions here is clear to hear. However, this is in the main very fresh sounding modern jazz, with a great deal going on harmonically but also with some beautiful melodies. Series, indeed all band members show great musicianship (there is generous space for improvisations), the band fair grooves and the sound quality is crystal clear.

Consisting of ten tracks (the final one a non-vocal reprise of the lovely second track Esperanza), the album comes in at just under 34 minutes, leaving one wishing to hear this band live to experience the music stretching out with further improvisations.

Fortunately, for those of us in Edinburgh, there are quite a few gigs happening soon (listed below). And such is the quality of his music, one hopes Davis Series and his band will be able to tour more widely, as this is music that most definitely deserves to be heard.

 

Bandcamp page here.

Website here.

 

David Series’ summer gigs:

Solo guitar + loops – 7pm, Tuesday 1 Aug, Click Clack Club, Bannerman’s, Edinburgh

Solo guitar – 3pm to 6pm, Sunday 6 Aug, Salisbury Arms, Edinburgh

In Trio with Max Popp & Douglas Whates, 7pm to 9pm, Sunday 6 Aug, Malt and Hops, Edinburgh

In trio with Mario Caribe and Max Popp in an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show called ‘Jazz Guitar Heroes.’ Thursday 10, Friday 11, Sunday 13 and Thursday 17 August 2023.  Tickets here.