Nowadays, as Scottish jazz renown sweeps across the UK, there are some Scots who, having moved out of the UK – drums maestro John Rae, long settled in New Zealand, for example – deserve to be remembered and celebrated back home here in Scotland.
Another such is Dumfries-born, award-winning tenor saxophonist and composer Scott Murphy. Following a spell in Glasgow, eight years ago Murphy moved to Kuala Lumpur, thence Hong Kong where he has made his name. a dream of form is Murphy’s album debut as leader, and it is well worth seeking out.
Reportedly, following his attending a solo gig by pianist Fred Hersch in Hong Kong, Murphy was inspired to book the recording studio and musicians even before finalising all the music charts. Perhaps a little more time prior to recording could have led to a longer album – it clocks in at around 27 minutes – nevertheless short is sweet, and this listener thought the spirit of Hersch was indeed present throughout.
Murphy is joined by London-born Janek Gwizdała on Electric Bass, Hongkonger Daniel Chu on Keyboard and Synthesisers, and Florida, USA-born and now Asia resident Padget Fresh Nanton on Drums. Truly an international assembly of talent.
There are seven tracks, although two last less than a minute and beg to be developed. The remaining five tunes are dynamic jazz fusion, the most developed being over ten minute-long Follow The Right Light which showcases each of the band members’ skillsets. There are many highlights, such as Nanton’s especially nifty stickwork, also at about 4 minutes when Murphy’s sax soars gloriously. The track ends with some mildly psychedelic synth which provide a lovely, soft coda.
Although a dream of form is mostly high energy, rapid-fire excitement, track 5 Into To contrasts with its minimal synth, is slow, quiet, and lovely.
Lucky are Hongkongers who can enjoy this music live, as doubtless this must be a thrilling experience. And it is hoped that Murphy will record again soon, and perhaps even do a tour back here in Scotland?
Buy a dream of form here: Bandcamp