This self released album by Derbyshire based guitarist Matt Chandler features eight of his attractive original compositions executed in guitar trio mode in the company of Karl Bingham ( bass) and Ian Beestin (drums).

Chandler (32) is an in demand session player and is also a member of the electronica band Pest who are currently signed to Ninja tunes. However his first love is jazz and Chandler was recently involved in a successful collaboration with saxophonist Tony Kofi, a ready champion of Chandler’s jazz credentials. Chandler’s myspace page lists Pat Metheny, Pat Martino and John Schofield as friends which gives a fair indication as to where the music on this CD is coming from. However although Chandler tips his hat in the direction of the masters he is no mere copyist. He and his trio manage to stamp something of their own identity on Chandler’s grooving but surprisingly subtle compositions.

Although this is very much Chandler’s record the contributions of his collaborators should not be overlooked. Both are experienced musicians, Bingham is a long term member of Nottingham noiseniks Pinski Zoo (one of two bass players in a highly unusual instrumental line up) and Beestin currently drums for the song based nu jazz outfit Zoo, also Midlands based but not directly related to their namesake. It was Beestin who forwarded me a copy of this recording following our meeting at the 2009 Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival ( see review elsewhere on this site) where Zoo played two well received sets, so my thanks to him for that. Beestin’s credits also include work with Carmina, the Sarah Bennett Bossa Trio and the Dan Collective.

The album kicks off with “Intricate Facade” as Chandler explores leisurely above the loping grooves laid down by his colleagues. Chandler’s jazzy chording and single note soloing is straight out of the jazz guitar tradition yet the trio still manage to bring an agreeably contemporary feel to the music. The interaction between the group members is high and the album was recorded in a single session.

The following “Sidekick”  explores broadly similar territory with Bingham’s languid grooves and Beestin’s delightfully detailed drumming also a feature. Bingham takes a typically articulate solo on electric bass.

The groove is clearly hugely important to the Chandler trio and “Irrational Blues” sees them getting down with a vengeance on a lively blues. There are features for both Bingham and Beestin on this fiercely swinging tune. “Tech Minor” maintains the pace but adds a subtle funk element to the proceedings.

Chandler’s fluid lines on “Which Witch?” recall early Pat Metheny and Bingham’s liquidly grooving bass solo is also hugely impressive. “After Midnight” itself is a spirited, grooving three way conversation with each member saying his piece with eloquence.

“Bump In The Night” has a suitably sly, after hours groove and again features the impressive Bingham. The brooding “The Only One” closes the album and is the closest the trio get to a ballad.

“After Midnight” is a good showcase for Chandler and reveals him to be a highly competent jazz guitarist. Although he subtly dominates proceedings this is still an excellent trio record full of absorbing compositions and superlative playing. As Tony Kofi has said this is music that is “swinging and grooving hard”.

There’s little I can add to that endorsement other than to say that it’s also extremely enjoyable.  Crisply recorded, this is an unpretentious swinging, grooving album that should appeal to all jazz guitar fans.

Check http://www.myspace.com/mattchandlerguitar for further information.

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