Ben Crosland - Songs of Solace and Reflection (2022)

Songs of Solace and Reflection by bassist and composer Ben Crosland features rearrangements of his back catalogue as well as a new tune, 'Rockfield Lullaby', a track inspired by a special photo from his childhood.

Long-time collaborator Steve Waterman joins Crosland on trumpet and flugelhorn along with Alan Barnes on clarinet and bass clarinet, Theo Travis on flute and alto flute, Clare Bhabra on violin and Deirdre Bencsik on cello. This is the first time that Crosland has written for strings, taking his music in a different direction, what he likes to call "chamber jazz with a classical sensibility".

Like most people Crosland found the pandemic a difficult and isolating time. "The sense of dislocation from everything you held dear artistically was palpable. We all searched for our own escape routes from boredom, isolation and depression," says Crosland. "My salvation was writing new music."

"(Crosland's) compositions are colourful, beguiling and thoroughly musical." - Jazz Journal

Ben Crosland: bass
Theo Travis: flute & alto flute
Alan Barnes: clarinet & bass clarinet
Steve Waterman: trumpet & flugelhorn
Clare Bhabra: violin
Deirdre Bencsik: cello