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THE TROUBLES: The Troubles

Having honed their musical skills with a year long residency at Wellington’s Happy Bar, this wonderful ensemble have captured perfectly their enthusiastic and extremely enjoyable music on album. I haven’t stopped smiling since I first listened to it. It’s zany, not in a flippant and dismissible way, but rather in a refreshingly creative sense. I was reminded of the work of the great composer and arranger Carla Bley when I first listened to this album. The Troubles original line up comprised of Lucien Johnson on sax and flute, drummer John Rae and Patrick Bleakley on bass. Since then early the group has expanded to include the talents of Nick Van Djik, trombone and trumpet plus Daniel Yeabsley on sax. Adding a string section brings the ensemble to nine and a dynamic band that connects on all levels. This album makes you feel good on all levels too. I’m grateful that Rattle Jazz have had the foresight to release such an enjoyable recording full of inventive compositions that are a delight to listen to.

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