Alasdair Pennington releases debut record

Alasdair Pennington is a talented drummer and composer who’s fast becoming a must-watch artist in London’s jazz and improvised music scenes. This imaginative force behind the drum kit is known for his expressive and rhythmically intricate approach who’s been a sought-after collaborator, contributing his talents to projects by artists like Helen Sung, Baptiste Herbin, Laura Jurd and The Flaming Lips. His ability to adapt his artistic output across genres and his virtuoso skill have confirmed his place as one of the city’s most exciting jazz voices.

From performances at iconic venues like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and Abbey Road Studios to festivals at Cheltenham and Manchester Jazz Festival, his musical contributions are expansive and impactful. Further afield, he’s played international stages such as Porgy & Bess in Vienna and Jamboree Jazz Club in Barcelona, receiving global exposure for his work.

Capturing his sound in the studio this year, he released his debut single “Time to -” in August, with his sophomore track “Chorale” arriving the following month. Now he brings us his most ambitious release to date with his new six-track debut record titled This Is.

Showcasing his compositional style with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation, This Is takes listeners on a cinematic jazz voyage. Joining Alasdair on the release is a talented ensemble of accomplished musicians including double bassist Isaac Burland, pianist Alex Wilson and saxophonists Donovan Haffner and Matt Anderson. Alasdair Pennington’s drumming serves as the album’s compass, steering the group through its various peaks and valleys with an understated yet commanding presence throughout while his rhythmic storytelling is a masterclass in balance; equal parts restraint and exuberance, technical skill and emotional quality.

Commenting on putting his band together, he shares, “I’m very lucky to know these musicians as friends and colleagues. I put this quintet together for a run of gigs I had around London over the summer and everything just came together very naturally. I admire Isaac, Alex, Donovan and Matt all individually as players so bringing them together was like mixing together my favourite sounds… their playing blends so well and they really bring my music to life in a beautiful way.”

Opened with his debut single “Time to -,” delicate bass plucks are met with soft dual sax lines and the hushed brush of drums echos before the arrangement picks up with the lively energy of piano and fluttering sax leads. Journeying through an epic jazz scene that sees Alasdair filter his traditional jazz influences through his own sonic lens brought to life by exquisite musicianship, “Time to -” progresses through moments of erratic instrumental flourishes to more intimate, flowing sections.

With “10 to 12,” Alasdair takes a standard blues form and reframes it in his own way where the steady walk of the bassline is capped by dancing sax flickers, slick drums and dynamic piano that bends between bouncy chords and dazzling runs. Other highlights on the release include the slow burning “Down Hull Mill Lane” which features beautiful dashes of duetting saxophone and elegant piano work, all underpinned by Alasdair’s laid back percussive performance.

Closing the record with his second single “Chorale,” warm piano notes usher in the composition, gently tumbling into bright plinks and chords before the mellow touch of bass and quiet drums to form a stripped back slice of the artist’s superb modern jazz sound. From start to finish, on This Is, Alasdair Pennington presents a charming jazz experience that puts his compositional talent and performance panache on full display, crystallising his arrival as a talented instrumentalist with an original artistic vision.

Listen to This Is below