'Waves' by Ross McHenry

As a bassist, producer and composer from Adelaide, Australia, Ross McHenry has always boasted an uncanny ability to present a range of various facets to his music.  Whether it was the blazing funk and soul of The Transatlantics or the Fela Kuti and afrobeat inspired collective, The Shaolin Afronauts - both collectives with projects released through the UK's Freestyle Records - McHenry's unbridled joy for performance and collaboration would go on to result in one of the most beloved names associated with Freestyle and their continual celebration of contemporary funk, soul and afrobeat.

But even further to that, McHenry's ability to recontextualise his music has led to almost unrecognisable contributions as a producer, as was the case with Melbourne vocalist Chelsea Wilson's 'Chasing Gold' - a contemporary disco-infused soul release in the vein of the revered Elektra era recordings of Patrice Rushen amongst other influences.

Henry's solo releases however continue to relish within the ideals of improvisation along with a healthy dose of experimentalising when it comes to his own perceptions of contemporary jazz.  Marking his fifth solo release, 'Waves' finds Henry create an impassioned piece of work born of such unfortunate circumstances in Australia's devastating bushfires that raged, unbelievably, for nearly a year between 2019 and 2020.  Believed to be the costliest natural disaster in the country's history, McHenry presents 'Waves' as a poignant celebration of sorts to his home and the land's unrivalled beauty.

Recorded in New York, McHenry enlists a typically A-list selection of musicians for the album including drummer Eric Harland, saxophonist Donny McCaslin, trumpeter Adam O'Farrill, guitarist Ben Monder and pianist Matthew Sheens.  Over the course of the album's seven incredibly immersive and intricate compositions, McHenry & company navigate an enveloping course that features moments of pure brilliance - from the absorbing urgency of 'In Landscape' to the introspective and somewhat mesmerizing quality of 'July 1986'.  

'Love and Obscurity' serves as another beautifully-composed number, once again, demonstrating the unwavering allure of 'Waves' as a complete project.  The album is yet another testament to Ross McHenry's phenomenal and ever-evolving mastery that has garnered without doubt one of his most compelling projects to date.