…Myra’s quietly authoritative bass playing has been a delight throughout
Available from Bandcamp
Myra Brownbridge – bass, vocals, compositions; Tom Ollendorff – guitar; George Garford – alto saxophone; Matthew Holmes – drums; Tony Kofi – alto saxophone
(track 4)
Recorded April 2022 & May 2023
Bassist Myra Brownbridge is a product of the impressive jazz education programmes available in the UK, having graduated from Trinity Laban and prior to that having studied classically at the Purcell School for Young Musicians. However, none of this means a lot unless you have the talent and ability to put yourself out there and present your music. Brownbridge certainly has this in spades, and with this her debut album neatly and convincingly lays her cards out on the table.
For this her debut album, the bassist has composed all the material and assembled a group of close musical associates and friends to perform it. From the outset it sounds like a well played in group, nothing ad hoc or thrown together for the recording here, who all understand the music and the composer’s intentions.
Brownbridge’s compositions do not necessarily leap out of the speakers at you, but instead along with the quartet, deliver the material in a calm unhurried manner but that does not mean that there is a lack of bite to the music.
Each of the compositions build to their own logical climax, either through the writing or the solos that are an integral part of the whole. The title track is a gently lilting melody that evolves for the alto saxophone, and the leader takes a fine bass solo that is lyrical with a warm woody sound. This is followed by a solo from saxophonist George Garford that ups the ante and gives the music that little extra bit of edge, and this device is also heard to fine effect on the bossa nova, ‘Weathering the Storm’.
Not one to push herself forward, Brownbridge will often adopt the role as the mainstay of the rhythm section, however on ‘The Joy of Being’ she lays down a firm and propulsive bassline creating a foundation for the quietly assertive melody stated by George Garford’s alto. Along with drummer Matt Holmes this provokes a couple of excellent solos from the saxophonist and Tom Ollendorff on guitar.
Special guest Tony Kofi makes an appearance on ‘As Dreams Are Made’, a lovely dreamy piece that floats effortlessly and offers up some nice countermelodies between the two altoists as the composition draws to a conclusion.
This attractive set finishes up with ‘Icarus’ a delicate ballad with which to end, and features Brownbridge’s engaging vocals in addition to her quietly authoritative bass playing that has been a delight throughout.
