On the Go

“Slow burn” is perhaps the best way to think of UK trumpeter Matthew Halsall’s sound, reminiscent at times of the late Tomasz Stańko, or Miles Davis in <i>Sketches of Spain</i> mode on “Song for Charlie”, from Halsall’s third release, <i>On the Go</i>. Harpist Rachael Gladwin, a major presence in Halsall’s other work, appears only on “Samantha” here, while Nat Birchall’s soprano saxophone enlivens “The End of Dukkha” and “The Journey Home”. Drummer Gaz Hughes brings a certain Elvin Jones energy on “The Move” and contributes a rousing drum solo as well. The 2016 double-LP reissue adds three bonus tracks, all ballads without saxophone, pure features for Halsall’s horn in a still, hovering quartet setting.