Fergus McCreadie – Stream

Description

Following the acclaimed ‘Forest Floor’ (shortlisted for the Mercury Prize & awarded Scottish Album of the Year in 2022) and ‘Cairn’, Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie reunites with his trio for ‘Stream’: a journey from cloudy skies to sunnier climes, weaving Scottish folklore with contemporary jazz.

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary jazz, Scottish pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie has carved a remarkable niche. Since 2021, his career has skyrocketed, marked by two acclaimed album releases that propelled him into the limelight shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and clinching the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) for Forest Floor. His debut with Edition Records, Cairn (2021), set the stage for a journey deeply rooted in natural themes. McCreadies latest venture, Stream, continues this intriguing exploration, this time delving into the essence of water. Accompanied by his long-standing comrades, David Bowden and Stephen Henderson, the album flows with the fluidity of its namesake. Its a musical stream that flows through the rich landscapes of Scottish folklore and the sophisticated avenues of contemporary jazz, blending them seamlessly.

The albums narrative is a testament to the trios evolving musical identity, meticulously crafted to mirror a journey from darkness to light. McCreadie shares, What I like most about this album is that it evolves from dark to light as the album goes on. Its a sort of cloudy skies to sunnier skies journey, quite different from previous albums where the track sequence was more arbitrary. Their sound, a nuanced tapestry woven with delicate touches and bold strokes, speaks of their confidence and exuberance in forging a distinct path. Stream is an exploration of shared passions and expressions, pushing the boundaries of their musical language and vocabulary to new depths.

With Stream, Fergus McCreadie, Bowden, and Henderson offer a refreshing antidote to the predictable. Their music is a celebration of individuality, a journey that resonates with the trios unique voice. Its an invitation to listeners to immerse themselves in a soundscape thats both familiar in its Scottish roots and revolutionary in its jazz execution a goal every artist aspires to achieve. Stream is a musical narrative that flows like water sometimes calm, sometimes tempestuous, but always moving forward. For those seeking a fresh, engaging, and authentic musical journey, Fergus McCreadies Stream is a listening adventure not to be missed.

Tracklist

1.Storm
2.The Crossing
3.Driftwood
4.Snowcap
5.Sun Pillars
6.Mountain Stream
7.Stony Gate
8.Lochan Coire rdair
9.Coastline