Ben Crosland - Songs of Solace and Reflection [CD]

JAZZ CAT RECORDS

£13

Cat. no: JCCD119
Format: CD
Barcode: 880992156585
Release Date: 02 Dec 2022
Genre: Jazz

Songs of Solace and Refection by bassist and composer Ben Crosland features rearrangements of his back catalogue as well as a new tune, 'Rockfeld Lullaby', a track inspired by a special photo from his childhood

Long-time collaborator Steve Waterman joins Crosland on trumpet and fugelhorn along with Alan Barnes on clarinet and bass clarinet, Theo Travis on fute and alto fute, Clare Bhabra on violin and Deirdre Bencsik on cello. This is the frst time that Crosland has written for strings, taking his music in a different direction, what he likes to call "chamber jazz with a classical sensibility".

Like most people Crosland found the pandemic a difcult and isolating time. "The sense of dislocation from everything you held dear artistically was palpable. We all searched for our own escape routes from boredom, isolation and depression," says Crosland. "My salvation was writing new music."

"(Crosland's) compositions are colourful, beguiling and thoroughly musical." - Jazz Journal

Ben Crosland: bass
Theo Travis: fute & alto fute
Alan Barnes: clarinet & bass clarinet
Steve Waterman: trumpet & fugelhorn
Clare Bhabra: violin
Deirdre Bencsik: cello

Tracks: Sarah's Trees / Cowgill Lament / The Gothics / Walkin' the Cat / Hymn for Peace / Rockfeld Lullaby / In Memoriam / Song for Dorothy / Heartland / Peter the Wolf