Contemporary jazz continues to breed thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational levels of innovative new music. From the localized pockets that spring up featuring community-driven collectives from across the world boasting a wide range of luminaries in London (Nubya Garcia, Jake Long, Alfa Mist) and Australia (Finn Rees, Godtet, Allysha Joy), Scotland has managed to introduce themselves into the discussion following an extensive array of undeniable releases.
For some years now, Scottish jazz has continued to make an indelible contribution to what is now heralded as a revered UK jazz scene; although it has perhaps not always received the direct recognition and respect that it has probably been owed. With a diverse array of artists waving the flag for Scottish artistry including Fergus McCreadie, Sophie Bancroft, Fat-Suit and Nimbus Sextet, the ever-expanding roll call of burgeoning young Scottish talent continue to make their mark and redefine expectations of what contemporary jazz can live up to.
We mentioned the hugely-successful efforts of pianist Fergus McCreadie whose talents have seen a multitude of album releases and subsequent awards to his name along with a coveted Mercury Music Prize shortlist in 2022. And serving alongside McCreadie for many of his releases to date has been the boundlessly-talented drummer and composer, Stephen Henderson, who now steps out onto centre stage to deliver his 'Tales of the Skald'.
Under the moniker of Modern Vikings, Henderson seeks to continue in the vein of contemporary Scottish jazz artists striving to introduce Scotland and its musical perspectives to a grander stage. Embracing strong elements of Scottish folk music as an integral part of his compositions, Henderson's sublime and spirited project ushers in a mish-mash of contemporary styles that are as inventive as they are humble.
Performing alongside Henderson on drums is an excellent line-up of musicians and collaborators including Fergus McCreadie with long-time McCreadie-Henderson bassist David Bowden, guitarist Graeme Stephen and saxophonist Konrad Wisniewski. The album's nine tracks are beautifully performed and as joyful and exuberant the album's up-tempo numbers are - like the brilliant eight-minute 'Pseudo Power' - it's the album's more intimate moments where the musicians really shine. 'November' and the album's closing number 'Back Home' are exquisitely realised creating stunning album highlights.
'Tales of the Skald' is a fantastic album to add to the burgeoning lineage of contemporary Scottish jazz and as the list of artists rising to prominence continues to grow, Stephen Henderson has created a project to see him placed firmly within the conversation going forward.
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