Henderson’s drumming is a persistent groove that pushes the music forward without overpowering the other players.
Ubuntu Music
Stephen Henderson – Drums and Composition; Fergus McCreadie – Piano; David Bowden – Bass; Graeme Stephen – Guitar and Pedals; Konrad Wiszniewski – Saxophone
The jazz scene in Scotland is flourishing, driven by talented artists like Fergus McCreadie, Georgia Cecile, and Matt Carmichael. This wasn’t always the case; in 2009 saxophonist and educator Tommy Smith established the first and only full time jazz course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2009. McCreadie, a graduate of this program, believes that without it, the current jazz scene would scarcely exist.
Another RCS graduate, drummer Stephen Henderson, best known for his role in McCreadie’s trio, maintained the core of that ensemble. Together with McCreadie and bassist David Bowden, he formed the Modern Vikings quintet. Fellow Scots Konrad Wiszniewski on saxophone and Graeme Stephen on guitar complete the group.
Their debut, TALES OF THE SKALD, has nine tunes, all composed by Henderson. ‘Pseudo Power’ is filled with tight unison playing until McCreadie takes an extended solo filled with fractured phrases and start and stop melodic themes. I like the way Wiszniewski’s tenor saxophone solo builds tension and release by using crescendos and decrescendos. His articulation is spot-on, effortlessly integrating both staccato and legato notes. Henderson’s drumming is a persistent groove that pushes the music forward without overpowering the other players.
McCreadie’s piano trio often used Scottish folk music as a starting point, and so does Henderson, but he also incorporates a lot from the American jazz tradition.
‘Carson’ is a good example of Henderson’s writing that often features a dynamic interplay between musical phrases, creating a swaying, pendulum-like effect that imparts a sense of balance and motion to the music. McCreadie has yet another fine solo on ‘Carson’ and I particularly enjoyed guitarist Graeme Stephen. He doesn’t solo a lot on TALES OF THE SKALD, but his solo on this track combines Pat Metheny’s melodic sense, John Scofield’s edgy improv, and the energy of a rock guitarist.
One of my favorite tunes is ‘Night Sky,’ a meditative piece that would sound right at home on an ECM record. The guitar and bass are minimalist showcasing a blend of folk and Scandinavian influences. McCreadie’s piano has a music box quality, making the music deeply evocative. Henderson’s percussive work is magical, conjuring images of creaking trees, scurrying small animals, and rustling leaves or branches on the forest floor.
The Modern Vikings’ debut, TALES OF THE SKALD is a unique take on America’s only true art form. I am looking forward to hearing what they do next.
