Matt Carmichael – ‘Held in the Dark’

Scottish saxophonist Matt Carmichael’s latest album, ‘Held in the Dark’, emerges as a rich tapestry of sound that transcends traditional jazz boundaries. Released to critical attention, the record embodies a gentle warmth and an exploratory spirit, weaving together elements of folk, country, and rock while maintaining a distinctly jazz-rooted identity.

Unlike conventional saxophone-led projects that spotlight virtuosic solos, Carmichael’s approach on this album is notably restrained and collective. His breathy tenor saxophone serves the composition rather than dominating it, emphasizing subtle thematic development within the interplay of his ensemble. This choice reflects a deliberate shift away from individual showmanship toward a nuanced meditation on musical place and atmosphere.

The album’s sonic palette is shaped by a collaboration with several prominent Scottish musicians. Longtime partners pianist Fergus McCreadie and bassist Ali Watson provide a consistent rhythmic and harmonic foundation, having contributed to all three of Carmichael’s previous albums. The inclusion of violinist Charlie Stewart, a member of Carmichael’s touring band and a recurring collaborator, adds textural depth and melodic counterpoints.

Expanding the group’s sound further, two accomplished guitarists, Chris Amer and James Mackay, introduce the strummed acoustic textures that open the album and underpin much of its genre-blending character. Their contributions, alongside clarinetist Tom Gibbs and drummer Stephen Henderson, facilitate the seamless integration of diverse stylistic influences. The presence of singer-songwriter and co-producer Michelle Willis, now based in Scotland, is also instrumental in shaping the album’s cohesive and evocative sound.

‘Held in the Dark’ conjures vivid sonic environments throughout its tracks. For instance, the opening piece employs the combined timbres of saxophone, violin, and guitar to evoke the natural imagery of morning geese, producing an ethereal and spacious mood reminiscent of the atmospheres found on John Martyn’s ‘One World’ album. This connection highlights Carmichael’s interest in embedding environmental elements within his compositions.

The album’s dynamic range includes shifts from pastoral serenity to more rhythmically driven moments. “Golden Moon” initiates with a country rock groove that might recall the late 1960s Rolling Stones, before morphing into a more ethereal passage where Carmichael’s saxophone evokes the sound of Highland pipes. The track’s fusion of rock energy and Celtic inflections epitomizes the album’s genre-defying ethos.

Closing the album, the title track offers a contemplative reflection on peace and stillness. Its minimalistic structure is anchored by a piano motif reminiscent of Bill Evans’ “Peace Piece,” with layered drones from guitars and violin creating an ambient foundation. This restrained approach contrasts with the earlier tracks’ more intricate interplay, underscoring the album’s thematic breadth.

Throughout the record, the ensemble’s comfort in navigating diverse styles without sacrificing unity is evident. The musicians’ collective sensitivity and Willis’s production guidance result in a work that feels both intimate and expansive, inviting listeners into a richly textured sound world.

Following its initial release, ‘Held in the Dark’ has been showcased in live performances, including an album launch in Glasgow. Upcoming shows are scheduled for November at the EFG London Jazz Festival in London’s Cecil Sharp House, Paris’s Studio de L’Ermitage, and Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, providing audiences across Europe with the opportunity to experience the album’s intricate atmospheres firsthand.

While details surrounding the album’s broader production context remain limited, the collaboration between Carmichael and his ensemble underscores a vibrant Scottish jazz scene marked by cross-genre experimentation and close musical partnerships. ‘Held in the Dark’ stands as a testament to this creative vitality, offering a listening experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally resonant.