Lee Meehan - Some of Us Are Looking at the Stars (2023)

A strong statement of intent here from swinging Irish guitarist Lee Meehan and a selection of originals. With a version of Tadd Dameron's 'On A Misty Night' also part of the mix, the ex-Madeleine Peyroux drummer Darren Beckett injects plenty of pace and he is joined in the rhythm section by pianist Scott Flanigan and by bassist Dave Redmond. Saxist Michael Buckley on tenor completes the sound contributing a sweeping grandeur to 'Danu,' his line followed by some super subtle soloing by Meehan who reminds us a little stylistically of fellow Irish ace Nigel Mooney and the Ireland based English player Phil Robson. There's a lack of pretentiousness throughout and a concentration on big melodic statement shaped by a good deal of decorative flourish. One of the best Irish releases of the year certainly - hear Meehan, pictured above - at Scott's in Belfast on 23 September and at the Limerick Jazz Festival on 24 September.