photo courtesy of Slowlight Quartet

Single Review of Slowlight Quartet: “Full Beam, Alan” (Jazz Sound Records)

The Slowlight Quartet is Tom Quilliam (saxophone), Paul Loraine (piano), Ian Paterson (bass), and John Hirst (drums). “Full Beam, Alan,” released last September, was the band’s first single release in seven years.

image courtesy of Slowlight Quartet

A synth opening, which recurs throughout, simply adds texture to what is an at-times mellow, at-times disruptively chaotic jazz number. Personally, I enjoy some of the more traditional pianowork, notably offering respite from some of the more aggressive elements in the song. It also works well combined with saxophone during the song’s final 40 seconds or so, raising the energy to a comfortable yet relaxed level to close things out.

Overall, it’s a pleasant song – with brief, interspersed periods of chaotic noise to keep it interesting. An enjoyable tune well worth hearing.

More Recently

Since the release of “Full Beam, Alan,” the Slowlight Quartet has released five songs across four singles, the most recent being a two-song single, “Superbia”/”Eveliina,” with guitarist Athol Cassidy and vocalist YVA lending their talents to the foursome for the recording. All of the Slowlight Quartet’s recordings can be found on the Jazz Sound Records bandcamp page.

Looking Ahead

Keep up with the latest Slowlight Quartet news and information via the band’s linktree and its Facebook and Instagram pages.