Water Speckled Midnight by Q3 is a jewel from the Cambridge-based jazz quartet. This masterpiece is a follow-up to their 2019 acclaimed album entitled “The Monkey Puzzle Tree.” It consists of ten tracks and is characterized by a diverse blend of jazz laced with Latin, funk, Arabic, and Mediterranean flavors.
This is one of the best albums we’ve heard in months and definitely deserves a place at the top of our playlist. Every track is one memorable journey through which Kevin Flanagan’s saxophone playing shines due to its amazing tone and great solos. Martin Hallmark’s piano solos are well crafted as they easily fit into the Corea-esque lines whereas Oscar Reynolds on drums gives this album a graceful touch that underlines the smoothness of it. The melodies of this album are beautifully catchy and the production is polished, smart and sounds very professional.
Water Speckled Midnight is an easy going album that will continually resonate with you long after the last note has gone out. Every track is a testament to Q3’s unique and memorable style, making this album one of the best instrumental experiences you’ll come across.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Q3 is a jazz / jazz fusion quartet based in Cambridge UK. Formed by pianist and composer Martin Hallmark in 2013 the band has a high quality line up including Kevin Flanagan (tenor sax, soprano sax, bass clarinet), Tiago Coimbra (electric bass) and several drummers – Steve Hynes, Derek Scurll and Oscar Reynolds. Their first album, Spider Dance, is largely a trio affair with impressive guest appearances from Flanagan and vocalist Helen McDonald. Some fine compositions including the swinging title track, Spirit of the Kasbah and Atomised. Flanagan joins the band full time for the second release in 2019, The Monkey Puzzle Tree, which has a more fusion feel and draws upon Robert Glasper amongst its influences. Coimbra and Flanagan produce some very fine solos particularly on Fake Blues, Echo Chamber and NJB. The band’s third album, 2024’s Water Specked Midnight returns to a more jazzy idiom, whilst infusing elements of funk, latin, flamenco and mediterranean folk. The album represents the maturation of Hallmark’s compositional style and contains excellent musical interplay. The pieces share centre stage with some fine soloing, particularly on the extraordinary Nomads, Odyssey and Rondo di Girulata. Q3 continues to make a meaningful contribution to post-bop contemporary UK jazz bringing together high lyricism, finely crafted compositions and top-rate musicianship.
