CD Review: Stephen Henderson, Tales of the Skald

Scotland’s vibrant jazz scene has been capturing well-deserved attention from across the UK, with the rise of artists like Fergus McCreadie, Georgia Cécile, and Matt Carmichael. Drawing on Scotland’s rich folk tradition, Ayrshire drummer and composer Stephen Henderson has made his imprint on the national dialogue with the debut release from his quintet ‘Modern Vikings,’ titled ‘Tales of the Skald.’

Born and raised in the rural South-West, Henderson comes from a musical family, taking his first steps into drumming at age 9 when he played snare drum in his local pipe band. Most famously known for his long-standing role in Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie’s trio, Henderson’s skills on the kit have seen him perform at some of the UK and Europe’s leading jazz festivals, including The North Sea Jazz Festival, Love Supreme, Oslo Jazz Festival, and SXSW.

Henderson’s inspiration stems from musicians who incorporate elements of their own countries’ folk music into their writings and playing. “Artists such as Shai Maestro, Avishai Cohen, Lionel Loueke, Leo Blanco, and John Scofield have been huge influences on my style more recently,” he shares.

‘Tales of the Skald’ combines the simplicity and warmth of folk music with the urgency, dexterity, and groove of the American jazz tradition. Henderson’s writing for Modern Vikings contains musical depictions of the natural beauty of rural Scotland, places that inspire him, and historical events and mythologies. The record demonstrates the quintet’s honest, fearless, and personal approach to Scotland’s distinctive answer to the American artform, evolving fluidly from understated songwriting, delicate musicianship, and intricate arrangements to extended passages of high energy, explorative, and exhilarating improvisation.

The album opens with a prelude to the track “Pseudo Power,” flowing into the full track. “Pseudo Power” itself opens with an engaging melody over a rhythmic piano and bass ostinato, featuring a great piano solo from Fergus McCreadie and a solo from saxophonist Konrad Wisniewski. This contemporary flavoured track sets the tone for the rest of the album, making for a great opener. “Oslo” follows with an odd-meter contrapuntal melody with a Central Asian tinge, while “November” takes down the energy with a highly interesting ethereal ballad. “Carson” is one of the most intriguing tracks, featuring a semi-Afro feel that defies pigeonholing, with great solos from McCreadie and guitarist Graeme Stephen.

The dynamic build-up in “Cracks in the Clay” is enjoyable, and “Night Sky” is a beautiful, haunting, and intriguing ballad. “Tales of the Skald” is a high-energy fusion-style track, serving as a great feature for Graeme Stephen on guitar. The album closes with “Back Home,” a perfect closing track for this great album.

For his debut release, Stephen Henderson has produced a truly impressive album that not only showcases his prowess as a drummer but also his remarkable skill as a composer. ‘Tales of the Skald’ is a captivating fusion of folk and jazz that deserves attention. His deep roots in the rich folk tradition of Scotland are evident throughout the album, seamlessly blending with the urgency, dexterity, and groove of the tradition. Henderson’s drumming is a tour de force, providing a solid foundation for the intricate arrangements while also displaying his remarkable dexterity and groove. His compositions allow each member of the quintet to shine, with standout performances from pianist Fergus McCreadie, bassist David Bowden, guitarist Graeme Stephen, and saxophonist Konrad Wisniewski.

‘Tales of the Skald’ well documents Henderson’s talent and vision, and it firmly establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in the Scottish jazz scene. This album is a must-listen for fans of both folk and jazz genres, as well as those seeking a unique and engaging listening experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional musical forms.

Line-up:
Stephen Henderson – Drums and Composition | Fergus McCreadie – Piano | David Bowden – Bass | Graeme Stephen – Guitar and Pedals | Konrad Wisniewski -Saxophone

Release Date: 2nd August 2024
Format: CD | Streaming
Label: Self Release