David Redmond: Roots

Dublin bassist David Redmond showcases his own darkly intense compositions and makes his debut as leader on the respected New Talent imprint from Barcelona label Fresh Sound (with a little help from Music Network's Recording Scheme). Redmond and drummer Kevin Brady have been an in-demand unit on the local scene for the best part of a decade; they are joined here by two regular collaborators: pianist Bill Carrothers and saxophonist Jason Rigby, both prominent improvisers on the US scene. The bassist's tunes elicit some fine playing from all concerned but particularly from the impressive Carrothers, an underrated pianist whose wayward, often overtly humorous playing conceals a formidable command of the jazz piano language. Redmond's own sure-footed bass underpins it all, and he more than holds his own when he steps up to solo. freshsoundrecords.com