Jazz guitarist Joe Robson, hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, presents “Golden Bell” – the very first single from Home, the acclaimed album touching on humanity’s search for, and innate, undeniable attraction to, a sense of home.
Boasting Scotland’s finest saxophone players (Adam Jackson on alto and Matt Carmichael on tenor), and Scottish folk legends Charlie Stewart (fiddle) and Harris Playfair (piano), “Golden Bell” is, according to Joe, “a love song inspired when I first met my wife. It’s stylistically influenced by traditional Scottish airs and ballads, but also by contemporary, melodic jazz such as Brian Blade’s fellowship band.”
Intrigued? Let’s take a listen….
The fiddle is up front; it’s perhaps a bit sad, but reveals strength as its melodic story progresses. With gently brushed drums and gorgeously warm piano, the key changes to something less mournful; and here’s where Joe’s elegant and nimble guitar kicks in. It’s quick, full of feeling, and closely follows the band’s smooth, airy trajectory.
The lamenting fiddle returns, but finds itself empowered by more supportive instrumentation. And when the ending comes, the chord is hopeful; it’s perhaps the music for that very first smile between Joe and future-Mrs. Robson.
But is it good?
Smooth, gentle, and soundtracking the moments when love creeps in, “Golden Bell” is an easygoing musical pleasure. But don’t let “easygoing” fool you – there’s energy, synergy, and real thought and talent behind this track. Because you have to be that good to make it sound so effortless. Recommended.
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