Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan returns with superb sophomore LP ‘Point Of No Return’
Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan has been one of the most active UK musicians for over the past 20 years, recording and performing with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, The New Master Sounds and many others, as well as leading the notable UK jazz-funk band The Haggis Horns. He steps out on his own again and follows up his critically acclaimed 2020 solo debut album About Time with a superb new full-length on Haggis Records, titled Point Of No Return.
Featuring 7-tracks, this recording builds off the previous release while shifting the sound slightly towards something reminiscent of a 70s jazz fusion-influenced CTI Records release. That being said, the album explores a lot of territory, from modal jazz grooves to Brazilian samba beats, Latin rhythms and cinematic soundtrack vibes. The record also includes two future classic jazz dance heaters in “Nossa Dança” and “Cut to the Chase”.
On this session, Strachan brings together some of the musicians he’s performed with the most over the past two decades, saxophonist and flutist Atholl Ransome, trombonist Danny Barley, pianist George Cooper, bassist Courtny Tomas, and drummer Erroll Rollins. The recording also includes longtime Haggis Horns guest percussionist Sam Bell and Flora Purim-inspired UK vocalist Jo Harrop (whom sings on “Nossa Dança” and “The Wanderer”).
Overall, another impressive solo outing for one of the most in-demand and accomplished session musicians in the UK today. Highly recommended!
Malcolm Strachan — ‘Point Of No Return’
(Haggis Records)
- Nossa Dança
- Soul Trip
- The Wanderer
- The Last Goodbye
- Elaine
- Cut to the Chase
- Maybe Next Time
