Brilliant Corners takes its name from pianist Thelonious Monk’s 1956 album of the same name – an original and exciting recording that has endured. It’s an appropriate name for the festival, which celebrates musical innovation in some of Belfast’s best venues. Fitting too, that the festival opens at that bastion of the arts, the Crescent Arts Centre – a brilliant corner of the community – with a double dose of jazz bearing a Made in Belfast stamp. The Jeremey Lyons Dectet’s original program draws from big-band tradition. Richly layered strands of brass steer a course between late night blues, cool impressionism and hard swing, with drummer Steve Davis a galvanizing presence. A little big band it may be, but on tunes like 'Bit by Bit' and 'Disquiet', the dectet’s limber grooves owe as much to the classic jazz quartet tradition. Saxophonist Meilana Gillard’s surging solos crackle with energy and invention. Hers is the outstanding individual voice, but Lyon’s success lies in harnessing the...
The title of trumpeter Linley Hamilton's second release for Northern Irish label Lyte Records tells a tale; in the three years since Taylor Made (Lyte Records, 2011) Hamilton has dug deep into the essence of his playing, refining his compositional approach and instilling a greater economy of notes in his playing. His is a discipline that owes more to the modern European tradition exemplified by Till Bronner and Mathias Eick than the beboppers that first inspired Hamilton on his journey. The result then is less technical dazzle and greater emphasis on melody and the honing of a sound— not only his personal sound, but that of the excellent band that he has molded. Bassist Damian Evans has replaced Dan Bodwell but pianist Johnny Taylor and drummer Dominic Mullan remain from Taylor Made. Taylor contributes two handsome originals and comps throughout with his customary élan. His blue-toned ballad "Song for Pav"—surely the only song in the jazz songbook dedicated to a budgie—shimmers with...