Kevin Brady: Ensam album review - ranks among the best jazz albums of recent years

Ensam
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Artist: Kevin Brady
Genre: Jazz
Label: LRP

Drummer Kevin Brady and bassist Dave Redmond have been among the Dublin scene’s A-team rhythm sections for the past decade, building a rare mutual rapport that explains their popularity with discerning locals and distinguished visitors and alike.

Brady's relationship with heavyweight US pianist Bill Carrothers has already yielded two fine albums, but Ensam raises the bar more than a few notches.

Carrother’s ruminative playing peels the drummer’s compositions open like flowers in the sun, and Brady and Redmond both respond with subtlety and finesse.

Add a guest appearance by peerless UK vocalist Norma Winstone, a couple of choice standards, a funky Keith Jarrett tune and pristine sound production, and you have a recording that ranks among the best domestically produced jazz albums of recent years.

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a musician, writer and director