Oldsquarelines - "Habit of Energy"

Jpof

Oldsquarelines are a quintet of young Dublin jazz musicians, consisting of piano, saxophone, guitar, double bass and drums. They formed in 2001, intending to perform their original compositions “with an emphasis on innovation mixed with accessibility”. Their debut album, recorded in 2003, was launched last Sunday to coincide with the beginning of their Irish tour.

‘Ritual’ opens the album with a strong bass groove from Dave Redmond, leading into a meticulous piano solo by Greg Felton, before the band break into a dramatic jagged melody. Guitarist Daniel Jacobson’s ‘Peaceful Dreamings’ is a beautifully arranged piece, complex but wonderfully hummable. On ‘Beam’, Jacobson and saxophone player Sean Og perform a delicate dancing ballad.

‘Frail Aurora’ provides another high point on the album, a joyful, intricate melody which launches into great sax and piano solos, before pushing the band through a set of tightly executed codas, lightly flavoured with electronic whistles. On ‘Upside Down’, the band juggle with tempo shifts, anchored by Redmond’s bass playing. On the final track, ‘Channel 2’, Carpio’s drumming shines as he tears up, then rebuilds, the rhythm of the outro.

With this recording, Oldsquarelines have established their skills both as players and composers. They have recorded an album of contemporary music which is indeed accessible, lively and exciting. As a result of playing together for many years, they display great collective empathy when improvising, and I highly recommend seeing them live.

For more information and to listen to tracks from the album, check out:

http://daniel-jacobson.com/