Fergus McCreadie - The Shieling (2025)
“The Shieling” finds Fergus McCreadie and his trio venturing into a more expansive, contemplative soundscape, recording in a remote cottage on North Uist to harness the island’s stillness and elemental character. The music blends his jazz-trio core (piano, double bass, drums) with evocative folk-inspired melodies, drones and textures that evoke Scottish landscapes and traditions. The recording process—intimate, live in one room, minimal production polish—gives the album an immediacy and organic warmth, making each note feel present and grounded. Though the pace is often gentle and reflective, the trio demonstrate their fluency in both lyrical melody and dynamic improvisation, particularly when pieces build from quiet beginnings to more animated journeys. Ultimately, The Shieling marks a subtle but meaningful evolution in McCreadie’s work: still rooted in folk-jazz fusion, yet now deeper, richer and more meditative—a rewarding listen for those willing to lean into its quiet power.
Genre: Contemporary jazz
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 60% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 591th / 736
Highlight: Climb Through Pinewood
Made me think of:
GoGo Penguin
Kit Downes
Bill Laurance
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