Reviewed by John Irvine

Gerald McChrystal is a young saxophonist from Northern Ireland who is busy making quite a reputation for himself! Having heard him both in concert and on this CD I can testify that he is quite an exceptional musician whose phrasing and technical ability is absolutely amazing. This CD came to my attention because it includes the very first recording of a piece by Ian Wilson (see Cross Rhythms 20 and 34). "I Sleep At Waking" is a short piece for unaccompanied saxophone which I first heard last summer at one of Gerald's concerts. The piece is based on Mary's encounter with the resurrected Jesus at the tomb. Musically, a mournful discordant sound tears at the heart and soul of the listener to be replaced by feelings of belief and unbelief in conflict: as though mary believed but could not believe since it was too wonderful to believe. This short piece reduced the concert hall to almost stunned silence. On CD, coming as it does between other pieces without much pause, the effect is lessened. However, when this track is played in isolation from the rest of the CD the effect is quite stunning. Good one Ian. The rest of the CD while having no Christian connection to justify inclusion in this magazine is nevertheless a quite beautiful and varied CD which will not disappoint you if you seek it out. DC Heath's "The Celtic" is a great opener to the disc, taking us through various folky tunes which McChrystal plays with dazzling ease, a pyrotechnic display of his great talent. Michael Torke's "Saxophone Concerto" is a wonderful tour de force, with some exciting syncopation and interaction between the saxophone and the percussion section of the orchestra. A recording which you will not be disappointed with.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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