Tranquillity, serenity, elation. If I had to sum up Jenny Hallan’s magnificent jazz EP in just three words, those words would suffice. Composed of five pieces on baritone sax, piano, drums and bass, Jenny’s newly formed quartet are nothing short of emerging starlets in the modern Jazz scene. Jenny’s ability to compose such lush soundscapes, that evoke far more emotion than mere words could is truly remarkable. Listening to Jazz for me is always somewhat a juggle between enjoying it for the pleasure it imparts but also being in awe at the technical expertise it takes to pull off a seamlessly layered tune.
Simply titled, ‘This Life’, Jenny cites the album’s inspiration as well, life itself. The album as recorded remotely with recording/mixing engineer Scott Halliday, and was mastered in Austin, Texas by Stephen Ceresia of Stonyfield Mastering. The performers on the record include Owen O’Neill (Baritone Sax), Luke Dunford (Piano), and Dylan Lynch (Drums). Jenny herself is a storied and accomplished musician, having performed as a bass player across Ireland over the last decade and more. Her experiences have seen her share the stage with some of the country’s finest and she even holds several degrees in Music and Jazz specifically. When you hear the album, none of this would surprise you.
Starting from the top, the titular track almost has a little bit of a lo-fi vibe to it. If you didn’t have a keen eye, you might even mistake it for one during the first few seconds. But if you pay close attention, there’s a subtle bassline that starts to run through. Of course, when that sensuous and emotive saxophone hits, you know exactly the kind of elevated sense of calmness you’re in for. Special mention to Luke Dunford’s key work towards the end, it offers the perfect final section.
It’s the middle track that has all my heart however. ‘Without Time’ has such an unusual progression, an almost improvised-esque feel to it that makes you imagine each band member on stage just riffing with one another to craft that seamless flow. Because that’s what makes Jazz special — witnessing a group of supremely talented musicians take their talents together to a stage to just display their ability to create beautiful melodies from scratch. Jenny’s composing is simply startling, it’s so meticulously well thought out that every track is just littered with memorable moments that keep you coming back.
I could wax lyrical about pretty much every track on this album. I don’t even particularly think you have to be an avid jazz fan to enjoy it, it’s just so musically pure that it’s bound to be enjoyable. Without a doubt, give ‘This Life’ a listen.
Check my playlists here!