Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Held in the Dark (2026) [Hi-Res]

Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael has released the album “Held In The Dark” on Porthole Music. It comes out on vinyl and consists of eight original pieces, including “red sky,” “morning geese,” and the title track “held in the dark.” The program is compact and centers on Carmichael’s distinct melodic approach. The music sits between jazz and fusion: the arrangements are dense but avoid orchestral heaviness.

Carmichael plays tenor saxophone and leads the ensemble; on track 6 he also takes the piano. The piano on the other pieces is played by Fergus McCreadie. The line-up also includes violinist Charlie Stewart, guitarists Chris Amer and James Mackay, bassist Ali Watson, drummer Stephen Henderson, and clarinetist Tom Gibbs. The album was recorded at Castlesound Studio and engineered by Garry Boyle, mixed by Euan Burton, and mastered by Peter Beckmann. Michelle Willis co-produced. The album continues Carmichael’s path as a composer and bandleader.

Matt Carmichael - tenor saxophone, piano (6)
Charlie Stewart - violin
Chris Amer - guitars
James Mackay - guitars
Fergus McCreadie -piano
Ali Watson - bass
Stephen Henderson - drums
Tom Gibbs - clarinet

Tracklist:
1. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Red Sky
2. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Morning Geese
3. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Wide Eyes
4. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Frog Green
5. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Flood Lines
6. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Prayer
7. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Golden Moon
8. Matt Carmichael featuring Fergus McCreadie, Chris Amer and Ali Watson - Held in the Dark