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Matt Carmichael Announces New Album ‘Held In The Dark’
Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael has announced his new album, ‘Held In The Dark’, due for release on 16 October. The record marks a further evolution of his work within Glasgow’s jazz scene, blending jazz improvisation with more traditional songcraft and a darker, more atmospheric sound.
Carmichael worked with Charlie Stewart, Fergus McCreadie, Ali Watson and Stephen Henderson, while Canadian musician Michelle Willis co-produced the album. Guitarists Chris Amer and James Mackay feature on new single ‘Red Sky’, which Carmichael says sets the album’s mood of approaching storms tempered by hope; he will also perform at the Purcell Room on 16 November during the EFG London Jazz Festival.
In short
- Matt Carmichael’s new album arrives on 16 October.
- ‘Held In The Dark’ blends jazz with formal songwriting.
- Carmichael plays London’s Purcell Room on 16 November.
Explained simply
Matt Carmichael is a Scottish saxophonist and composer who works in Glasgow's jazz scene. His music has traditionally been rooted in jazz improvisation, though his recent work shows a notable change in direction.
In his recent work, Carmichael has increasingly blended jazz improvisation with more structured songwriting and darker, more atmospheric sounds. This represents a shift from pure improvisation towards more fully composed pieces, showing how his artistic approach is becoming more expansive and developed.
He works regularly with other musicians in the Glasgow jazz scene and performs at major jazz festivals across the UK. His collaborations with various composers and musicians demonstrate his integration into the broader Scottish and British jazz communities.
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