| Jazz |
This album is a true voyage of the senses, one that will undoubtedly stir within you a longing to travel to the shores of Great Britain and surrender to the whispering sea winds. The BBC has aptly captured the essence of the English jazz scene, describing it as “a distinctive voice in a saturated landscape.” Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael, based in Glasgow, continues to flourish with his powerful and deeply moving fusion of melodic jazz and folk music.
Carmichael’s Scottish heritage is ever-present, and the folk influences that permeate this album are a sheer delight. When one delves into the compositions and arrangements, it becomes evident that we are in the presence of one of Europe’s most remarkable artists. Following the resounding critical success of his debut album, Where Will The River Flow, which amassed over eight million streams, Carmichael joined the prestigious Edition Records label for his second album, Marram, which earned the accolade of Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards.
His music deserves to transcend European borders, for his originality and mastery are nothing short of inspiring. Beneath an apparent simplicity lies a music that is intricate and deeply considered, brimming with charm and poetry. A collection of instrumental pieces laden with emotion, where melody reigns supreme, this latest opus brings together four of his closest friends and longtime collaborators. Having played together since their adolescence, the quintet has forged a singular chemistry, rooted in collective improvisation. In what stands as his most ambitious project to date, Dancing with Embers sees Carmichael expanding his sonic universe with guest artists such as Rachel Sermanni (vocals), Brìghde Chaimbeul (Scottish bagpipes), Chris Amer and Innes White (guitars), alongside his trusted quintet featuring pianist Fergus McCreadie.
For those who, like myself, listen to hundreds of jazz albums each year, certain recordings naturally stand out. This one is among them—each track speaking to the listener with the unmistakable delicacy the Scots so effortlessly convey. This album mirrors Scotland itself: a land of striking contrasts, as rugged and untamed as it is tender and poetic. Carmichael himself explains, “I listened to more songwriters than anything else during the period in which I wrote Dancing with Embers, and I wanted to create an album where the focus was on the song itself, rather than traditional jazz solos… In concert, the band enjoys complete freedom, and improvisation remains at the heart of our music, but I approached the recording process in a slightly different way.”
And indeed, this intention is felt throughout. Track by track, this musical language unfolds with greater clarity and precision. Though a saxophonist, Carmichael possesses the rare ability to let the work itself take center stage, allowing space for the ensemble. Like all great composers, he understands that the piece—not the instrument—is paramount. Whether it be the piano, double bass, or, in this case, the saxophone, each element finds its perfect balance within a breathtakingly beautiful melodic framework.
Carmichael will celebrate the album’s release with performances at Celtic Connections, London Kings Place, Fasching Stockholm, and selected arrangements with the Grammy-winning WDR Big Band. Let us hope that he will soon grace the stages of the United States, for there is little doubt that his success would only flourish further here. Dancing with Embers is, without hesitation, one of our “Essentials.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 21st 2025
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