The Noonan Trio - 2024 - Inherit a Memory

(49:14, Neuma Records)






















Track list:
1. Drunkard Landlady 3:12
2. Inherit a Memory 4:33
3. Tell Me 6:58
4. Stealing of Cream by Blue Tits 4:10
5. White Light 5:23
6. Polly's Eyes 5:43
7. Aqua Diva 4:09
8. Wrinkles of Time 5:33
9. Crossroads 6:00
10. Drop in a Cascade 3:43

Line-up:
Matthew Bourne - piano
Michael Bardon - bass
Sean Noonan - drums, vocals


UK based threesome The Noonan Trio revolves around the creative process of composer and musician Sean Noonan, who has been releasing albums as a solo artist and in various collaborative settings for 15 years or thereabouts. The Noonan Trio is a new constellation, and released their debut album "Inherit a Memory" in the fall of 2024 through US label Neuma Records.

While I'm more familiar with this label due to their classical music and experimental music oriented releases, on this occasion it is jazz that is at the core of what Noonan and his trio explore. As might be expected from this label this is more of an experimental creation, but at the heart of it all on a musical level we find a classic bass, drums and piano threesome. With the bass occasionally being played with a bow too, unless I'm much mistaken.

This is a distinct art-oriented creation, with songs ranging from songs revolving around quirky and unnerving moods and atmospheres through to experimental minimalist tendencies and all the way over to chaotic and free form impulses. With fragmented displays being a part of the experience too, as well as a little bit of a flirt with chamber music inspired landscapes on an occasion or two. Jazz is at the core of the musical setting here though, and those fond of expressive drums delivered in subtle and unobtrusive manners as well as in a more explosive or creative manner will find much to enjoy here. Much the same can be said for those who appreciate the piano being a dominant instrument and the main lead instrument in what I as a bit of a layman would refer to as a classic jazz trio.

The art-oriented part of this equation comes from the vocals, as Noonan isn't a conventional vocalist in any way, shape or form. He is more prone to a poetic mode of delivery, residing somewhere between someone reading poetry with a theatrical passion and someone having a recital with music support. Emotional, but in a theatrical manner, and where the lyrics revolve around a story, a mood or perhaps even a message of some form or other. Poetic storytelling with classic theater aspirations might be one way to describe this. Possibly with a little bit of vaudeville tendencies in some of the songs.

I suspect that a certain fascination for a jazz trio where the drums and the piano are core instruments will be a core requirement to be able to enjoy the landscapes explored on this production. If you also enjoy poetry recitals and classic theater, and find joy in jazz bands also seguing out to experimental landscapes and taking some free form left turns, then chances are that you will find this album to be quite the satisfying experience.

Olav M. Björnsen, September 2024

Links:
https://seannoonanmusic.com/
https://neumarecords.org/

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