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Q3: Water Speckled Midnight

By Neil Duggan
February 8, 2024
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Named after a species of lichen, Water Speckled Midnight is the third album from British quartet, Q3. Their debut came with 2014's Spider Dance (Lenox Music) and was followed by Monkey Puzzle Tree in 2019 (Lenox Music). Whilst hardly prolific, it does suggest that the tunes are gestated over a long time. That is borne out by the finely-crafted melodies and well thought through arrangements that are revealed here.

This instrumental line-up of the quartet consists of five-string electric bass, piano, tenor saxophone and drums. Following a scholarship at Berklee College of Music, bassist

Tiago Coimbra

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tiago Coimbra has recorded and performed with

Hiromi

piano
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Hiromi,

Cleveland Watkiss

vocals
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Cleveland Watkiss and

Maceo Parker

saxophone, alto
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Maceo Parker. Pianist

Martin Hallmark

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Martin Hallmark has adopted an occasional, but welcome,

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea-like flourish (this is hardly surprising as he once studied with the late composer). He has written all the compositions. Saxophonist

Kevin Flanagan

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Kevin Flanagan has played with

B.B. King

guitar, electric
1925 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">B.B. King and members of

Pink Floyd

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Pink Floyd and

Led Zeppelin

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Led Zeppelin during his long involvement in the jazz and pop scene. Drummer

Oscar Reynolds

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Oscar Reynolds provides a solid framework for the album providing a mix of delicacy and punch.

Flanagan drifts in with a lilting sax melody on the first track, "Through the Clouds." His classic tone and style sounding elegant and timeless. Hallmark takes over the reins with an improvisation that flows with some agreeable twists before Flanagan returns and Coimbra bends bass strings to end a satisfying opener. Moving to a piano trio format, "Odyssey" begins with Morse-code like pulsing piano theme which leads into an inventive Corea-like solo over Latin rhythms, expressive bass interjections and sharp drum sections. The romantic "Emerald Eyes" begins slowly with a smooth saxophone melody with a late-night feel before Hallmark's piano picks up the pace and Coimbra delivers a lyrical bass solo.

It is apparent that that these compositions use time and space to excellent effect, allowing the melody to weave around unhurried solos and combinations. The light funk of "Nomad" is a good example as saxophone and piano follow individual lines before coming together. Coimbra builds a sublime flamenco-style bass break; Hallmark's improvisation is open and fluid before Flanagan takes over with a

Michael Brecker

saxophone, tenor
1949 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Brecker-like solo.

Elsewhere, the jaunty title track, features lightly-swinging saxophone over a pulsing piano. "Turnaround Time" has a Latin feel and feels like it could be a track from decades ago. It features a notable saxophone hook, some razor-sharp drumming from Reynolds and Coimbra again on top form. Hallmark's piano introduction to "Rondo di Girulata" swirls with yearning and leads to nimble saxophone and bass solos as the pace quickens to become dance-like.

Alongside the top-notch musicianship from the quartet, Hallmark's engaging compositions share the spotlight. Like a good TV boxed-set, they keep your attention throughout. Tight rhythms and well-executed solos support the melodic and accessible tunes, making the overall result highly listenable.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Through the Clouds; Odyssey; Emerald Eyes; Nomads; Nocturne; Water Speckled Midnight; Rondo di Girulata; A Good Day For Breathing; Turnaround Time; Postlude.

Personnel

Q3

band / ensemble / orchestra

Tiago Coimbra

bass

Kevin Flanagan

saxophone, tenor

Martin Hallmark

piano

Oscar Reynolds

drums

Album information

Title: Water Speckled Midnight | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Lenox Music

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