Matt Carmichael: Held in the Dark

Matt Carmichael tenor saxophone Charlie Stewart fiddle James Mackay guitars TBC piano Ali Watson bass Corrie Dick drums Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz, drawing on both jazz and folk influences to create music of startling beauty and nuance. He returns to St George’s, after his unforgettable acoustic duo set two years ago, with a stunning lineup of improvisers – and an evocative mix of instruments – to perform his very latest album Held in the Dark. The new album is deeply personal, and magically realised, music, reflecting the experience of supporting a loved one through ongoing health struggles. It draws inspiration from the intimacy, warmth and guitar-led soundscapes of singer-songwriter records, embracing a more indie-folk/rock aesthetic while remaining rooted in the improvisational freedom of jazz, and the deeply moving collective chemistry that defines Carmichael’s live performances. “Can make you laugh and shed a tear within the turn of a bar.” Jazzwise Magazine