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Linley Hamilton - trumpet
Derek Doc O'Connor - tenor sax
Cian Boylan - piano/organ
Mark Egan - bass
Adam Nussbaum - drums
ALBUM CREDITS
Recorded at Camden Recording Studio (May 1-3, 2022)
Mixed by Conor Brady / Cian Boylan
Mastered by Ruadhri Cushnan
Produced by Cian Boylan
Executive Producer - Michael Janisch
Photography by Calum Hutchinson/Keery Irvine
Album Artwork Jamie Breiwick
Graphic Design - Bside Graphics
credits
released May 26, 2023
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Linley Hamilton’s legendary hospitality has been enjoyed by a growing cohort of international jazz musicians whenever they visit at his Magy’s Farm venue-cum-homestead deep in his native Ulster within sight of the mountains of Mourne. His tireless efforts as a promoter, radio host, educator and all round champion of the music are so effective that his main gig as a trumpeter and composer is sometimes overlooked.
'Ginger’s Hollow' places Linley the musician back in the spotlight where he belongs, at the helm of a transatlantic team to present an album of pure musical good vibes. Under his leadership, Dublin-based pianist/composer Cian Boylan and first call session saxophonist Derek ‘Doc’ O’Connor are reunited with US legends Adam Nussbaum on drums and Pat Metheny/Gil Evans sideman Mark Egan on bass, and the mutual respect and sheer good fellowship that they share comes through loud and clear in this set of original tunes with the emphasis on openness, accessibility, and positivity.
‘Shinebox’ sets out the stall - named by Nussbaum, it places the classic hard bop trumpet/tenor frontline over a joyous backbeat, with dramatic organ swells bolstering the horn solos as the drums lay it down. "Adam’s a joy to tour with and he occupies the kit like a big praying mantis! Such a groove, but so aware of the dynamic contour at all times: he and Mark lead from the rhythm section when we’re together".
‘Sunday Morning’ was written by Cian in the studio and recorded by the band in a take. It’s a big-hearted soul stomper, with Linley and Doc revisiting their days in The Commitments section and trading phrases.
‘Stonky’ is another Cian original with a quirky melody given a deep sense of fun by Nussbaum’s infectious groove. "We’re playing for each other and for the audiences - I don’t think it’s a bad thing."
‘Ginger’s Hollow’ is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved farm cat that Linley cared for until his untimely demise, now enshrined in memory with Cian’s lush Fender Rhodes under Linley’s soaring melody. Nussbaum has a chance to visit his favourite New Orleans shuffle for ‘Place At The Ace’ and the yearning, tranquil ‘Jason’s Place’ was written as a memorial to a tragic loss for Cian’s family, underscoring what a deeply personal project this is for all involved. ‘Lost On The Crowd’ is a Linley composition - "I wanted something that introduced some angularity and this was it."
Finally, Doc tears it up over the Brasilian flavoured closer ‘Watch Those Eyes’ "Doc is a beast and my best friend since I was 26 it’s like a love affair whenever we’re together."
These recordings capture the warmth and empathy the band feel for each other, for their listeners, and for the music that unites them: "For me music isn’t about what you play so much as how you make people feel - we’re playing with them and for them, not to them or at them. That’s the same on the bandstand as it is for the audience. It’s lovely working with Whirlwind because they’re a great team, and everything I do is about teamwork."
PRESS HIGHLIGHTS
"The warmth and expertise this music is played with is unmistakable."
Jazzwise Magazine
"A giant of the Northern Ireland jazz scene."
Jazz Journal
"Ginger's Hollow is a notable effort from the indefatigable Hamilton."
All About Jazz
★★★★ "[Linley's] heart is where the sound of Freddie Hubbard lives."
Marlbank
supported by 7 fans who also own “Ginger's Hollow”
The albums just keep getting better! This album is filled with inspiration and joy, a pure pleasure to listen to and enjoy. thank you so much for the wax versions once again! kaosskid
supported by 7 fans who also own “Ginger's Hollow”
I normally only listen to electronic music, but after listening to this album months ago I found it kept calling out to me. Now after purchasing it I can see why. I am totally addicted to its beauty and harmony. Thank you so much for the wax version, as it is the only form of music I collect. kaosskid
supported by 6 fans who also own “Ginger's Hollow”
I do not understand jazz or why I love the work of Matthew Halsall and the Gondwana Muscicians so much, but … oh boy … this really connects to me in a way I have hardly ever experienced with any other music … as if theres a direct cable from my heart to this album … Benjamin
A collection of jazz standards from this Chicago artist recalls the genre’s swing era, with waltzing rhythms and skipping guitars. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 12, 2021