Sean Foran - Counterpart (2019)

Located on different sides of the world, but sharing a similar musical pathway, COUNTERPART is the stunning debut collaborative album of the Australian pianist Sean Foran from the trio TRICHOTOMY, and Manchester guitarist Stuart McCallum, (THE BREATH, and SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA). Indeed, Counterpart is an apt description for the similar lives and musical journeys these two artists take on opposing sides of the world, but their shared musical style and vision coupled with the uncanny ability to craft songs matching each musicians sensibilities results in an album of remarkable depth and beauty. Ranging from lush cinematic textures to delicate piano and guitar improvisations, the album traverses sounds from modern classical, to new jazz, and ambient music. Deeply melodic, with rich textural interaction, the improvisations are captivating, Foran plays grand piano and synthesisers, while McCallum conjures a vast array of sounds from his acoustic and electric guitars. Sonic similarities to the jazz stylings of Pat Metheny, and modern classical sounds of Nils Frahm and Hauschka can be found throughout, with catchy melodies tracing a line through each song.