Michael Buckley: It Is What It Is

It Is What It Is
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Artist: Michael Buckley
Genre: Jazz
Label: Lyte Records

Michael Buckley has had the "best jazz saxophonist in Ireland" title pretty well sewn up for more than a decade (with a little competition from his older brother Richie). But Buckley has also steadily gained a reputation as a producer and sound engineer, and this labour of love project with his wife Margot Daly on vocals is a showcase for those skills. Those familiar with Buckley's occasional jam band Dopamine will recognise the taut grooves and polished Steely Dan harmonies in Buckley's pop-inflected songs. With an A-team studio band that includes UK pianist Jason Robello, trumpeter Ronan Dooney, guitarists Anto Drennan and Conor Brady, and the impeccable Keith and Jason Duffy on bass and drums, this is as fine a slice of old school jazz rock as you'll hear this side of the Atlantic. lyterecords.com

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

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