Jazz

This week's jazz releases reviewed

Overnight ReMark ***

On this evidence, Belfast guitarist Mark McKnight is one of the best young musicians to emerge on the Irish jazz scene. Blessed with a gorgeous tone and abundant technique, he makes an assured debut with a highly compatible quintet completed by Will Vinson (alto/soprano), Sam Yahel (piano), Euan Burton (bass) and Mark Ferber (drums). Their impeccable handling of McKnight's attractive and sustaining compositions belie the fact that this is a pickup group. Vinson and Yahel, striking soloists with the presence to impose their authority on anything, respond impressively to the guitarist's originals, while McKnight is clearly energised by them and the work of a rhythm section in which Ferber is particularly sympathetic. The gifted guitarist is not yet a markedly individual player, but he's already an exceptional talent and one to watch. www.markmcknight.co.uk RAY COMISKEY

Catching Sunlight Edition  ****

Both the title and subtitle ("Music for an Imaginary Film") convey an impressionism confirmed by pianist-composer Dave Stapleton's writing, which is so well conceived that it's sometimes difficult to separate the written from the improvised. Often working from little motifs shifted through the changes, or from piano vamps, Stapleton builds a surprising variety of moods and sound pictures, using himself, Neil Yates (trumpet), Paula Gardiner (bass) and Elliot Bennett (drums), and the Lunar Saxophone Quartet, for whom he writes superbly. The voicings, so delicately seasoned with disquieting dissonance, and his use of counterpoint are beautifully crafted. And, despite the skill and imagination evident in the deft use of contrast and tempo changes, the music has a consistency of vision and execution to go with the compatibility of all the musicians involved. www.editionrecords.com RAY COMISKEY

Shape Shifter Miles High Records  ***

Immensely experienced at the music's top table, Scott Reeves is a skilled brassman (alto flugelhorn and alto valve trombone) and a composer whose pieces stretch the capable players in his quintet at these live 2008 dates. Apart from the leader's quality originals, the jewel in a band driven by a highoctane Jim Ridl-Mike McGuirk- Andy Wilson rhythm section, is tenor saxophonist Rich Perry. Best known for his great work with Maria Schneider, Perry is a wonderfully devious improviser, creative and utterly personal, whose instinctive approach contrasts with Reeves's more considered manner. He stamps his personality on the material, whether it's a 12-tone row piece such as Shape Shifter, or the demanding New Bamboo, based on some of Dave Liebman's theories. These are perhaps the two finest performances on a blowing album much more substantial than usual for the genre. www.mileshighrecords.com RAY COMISKEY