Space odyssey meets Hancock jazz, Matt Lawton steps into the spotlight as Getintothis’ Alan O’Hare gets his groove on.
Modern jazz. Two words that can strike fear into anyone’s heart.
But cast aside that prejudice for a second and pick up Matt Lawton‘s new EP, The Optimist. All George Duke-esque instrumentals and cosmic noodling, the five track release has a heart to go with its virtuosity.
The ever-present six string bass, supper club horns and syncopated drums sound like your favourite Herbie Hancock bootleg, with Scouser Lawton not playing games. The ex-Eighth Day Army bass boy has grown up and taken his sound with him.
Usually found playing on sessions for Merseyside’s finest, the young musician has decided the time is right to surround himself with great players and delivered this set of funky monkeys. Sure, it’s an acquired taste but even the hardest of jazz hearts will melt like a plastic ashtray at the liquid gold of The Salesman.
Live dates are in the pipeline, but get your groove on here first.
Further new music reading on Getintothis
Cyclist.
Moats.
Elephantom.
Nelson.
Further reading on Getintothis
Paddy Steer, Loka: Capstone Theatre, Liverpool
Get the Blessing: Capstone Theatre, Liverpool
Loka, Plank!, Dominoes, Melodien: The Lomax, Liverpool
Getintothis’ guide to Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2014
Liverpool International Jazz festival 2013 launches at Capstone Theatre
