“In a world of competing noise and complexities, music engendering tranquillity, perhaps even mindfulness, is to be welcomed.”
East Lothian-based guitarist, composer, improvisor and teacher, Malcolm MacFarlane is such a busy person whose work spans so many musical genres, that it is quite possible that – even if you weren’t aware of it at the time – you might well have heard him play somewhere.
Over several decades, with regular forays elsewhere throughout the UK and Europe, Malcolm has established himself as an stalwart of the Scottish music scene, his beautiful compositions and playing appearing across multiple diverse projects be it jazz, folk, classical, electronic, film music or theatre.
This listener is most familiar with Malcolm’s work with modern classical Mr McFall’s Chamber and the Red Note Ensemble, also his Scottish Guitar Quartet albums and Guitar duo* live work with fellow guitarist Ross Milligan.
His new digital only album, Alone, was released last month, and has Malcolm playing solo, in which he is accompanied by his own recorded loops, himself also doing the honours for all compositions, production, recording and mixing. Many were aired to an enthusiastic audience at a recent festival here in Edinburgh. Clearly playing solo holds no fears for someone with Malcolm’s level of accomplishment and each of Alone’s seven tracks are delicate, ataractic and uplifting.
Appropriately named opening track Train Tracks sets the scene, with a loop set up before lush chords overlie, the simple repeating melody and use of reverb making for a cheering start to the album. This sense of apparent simplicity and calm continues through all seven of the album tracks.
Most pieces run for 3 to 4 minutes, except for the short and pretty Golden Fields, the slight, contemplative Reflections, and the longer (at nearly 8 minutes), satisfyingly busy 4 Square.
All the tunes have delightful melodies, perhaps especially the languid blues Easy Does It. The Lonely Isle on the other hand stands out for this listener for its soothing, shimmering sound palette, while Stomping feels notable for its pleasing harmonic changes executed with clarity and sensitivity.
After a first close listen to this beautiful album, this listener was sure her heart rate was reduced, such was its calming effect. In a world of competing noise and complexities, music engendering tranquillity, perhaps even mindfulness, is to be welcomed.
On this Christmas Eve, what more valuable Christmas gift might one give than an album with such qualities?!
Alone on Bandcamp: listen and buy.
Newsflash: Malcolm’s next solo album is due out in Spring 2026!
*Malcolm and Fiona are both founder members of Scottish jazz collective, Jazz Forward