Sam Newbould
Raised in the north of England and living in the Netherlands, saxophonist, composer and bandleader Sam Newbould releases his third album called Homing. Inspired by the adoption of a Polish carrier pigeon and reflections on his own foreign-born existence, he wrote 11 songs that fill his new album. Self-reflection and British humour go hand in hand with the bearded musician as evidenced by the catchy opening track with an on-the-nose title Barba Tenus Sapientes. Which means as much as he is wise up to his beard.

After his debut album Blencathra (2019) for which he was praised and his second Bogus Notus (2021) that you couldn't stop listening to, Homing now follows with 11 original compositions. The title track Homing starts with a melody line initiated by the horns after which pianist Torres answers with an angular theme. Then it's game on; an elegant groove sometimes accompanied by vocals alternates with variations on the theme. That catchy structure can also be heard in the playful Odd Jobs performed by the top musicians in his band, each of whom also fill band-leading roles elsewhere. The lovely Anglesey with wurlitzer and two singing saxophones reminded me involuntarily of another unforgettable ballad Angel Eyes.

Thelonious Monk's iconic tune Trinkle, Tinkle recorded with John Coltrane in 1957, got a serious tribute with Twinkle, Twinkle with a Newbould-touch brilliant makeover! The affable Sam Newbould is a great storyteller. This is evident with this third album of his, but his concerts add another dimension.