KEVIN FIELD, RON SAMSOM, OLIVIER HOLLAND: Irony

By Michael Flynn

This is the debut recording for the FSH Trio and also the first of a series planned by classical specialist Auckland independent label Rattle Records under their own jazz banner. Field (piano), Samson (drums) and Holland (bass) have been playing as a trio for five years now and it is evident, their buoyant interplay and melodic passages rich with energy and not lacking in emotion. Field’s great sense of harmony, heard throughout the album, is most moving perhaps in his composition Madame Butterfly. Nathan Haines, guesting on two of these original compositions, adds a wistful saxophone to this haunting tune. Samsom’s gentle composition Breathe sees Field exploring the melodic structures with fluidity and grace before finally giving way to the compelling bass lines of Holland. With 10 tracks all lasting between five and nine minutes, ‘Irony’ is an engaging album and a recommended listen. Superbly recorded by Steve Garden at Auckland University’s Kenneth Myers Centre, ‘Irony’ is a wonderful opening statement for both the FSH Trio and Rattle Jazz.

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NZ Musician

June/July 2010