Paul Towndrow is an internationally renowned Glaswegian saxophonist & composer specialising in syncretic musical forms including the fusion 

of jazz with traditional celtic music, Indian music, and free improvisation. A stalwart of the Scottish jazz scene, he first performed at Edinburgh Jazz Festival as a young musician over a quarter of a century ago. Since then he has released six solo albums and performed with a diverse and expansive range of artists from Benny Golson, John Scofield, and The Bad Plus, to Ben E. King, Martha & The Vandellas, Hue & Cry, and The Fratellis. 

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His previous album ‘Deepening The River’ is a multi-genre extended composition serving to invite an exploration of a multitude of themes based around Glasgow’s people, history, and culture, specifically the role in the 17th Century of The Merchants House of Glasgow in campaigning for the deepening of The Clyde to enable the passage of ships, and to facilitate trade. The album was nominated for Scottish Album of The Year (SAY Award) in 2021.

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Here he appears in a comparatively down-scaled, yet equally energetic trio format featuring two of his long term co-conspirators, Alyn Cosker (Drums) and Pete Johnstone (Organ). The group has performed at both sides of the Atlantic, including appearances in New York, London and beyond. In 2023 Paul celebrates the release of a new album, ‘‘Outwith The Circle’ which features the trio alongside special guests including vocalist Eddi Reader, piper Ross Ainslie, and guitarist Davie Dunsmuir.

 

1. Outwith The Circle

2. K C Point / Arthur’s Reel

3. Wrong Party

4. Cutting Bracken / Buain Na Rainich

5. The Middle Cut

6. Aniva

7. Split The Difference

8. The Only Source Of Knowledge

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All compositions by Paul Towndrow published by Paul Towndrow Music, except Track 4 (Trad.)

Paul Towndrow - Alto Saxophone, Flutes,Whistles, Soprano Saxophone, Duduk, Additional Vocals, Synths,Whistlings & Mutterings 

Pete Johnstone - Organ

Alyn Cosker – Drums, Percussion

with 

Steve Hamilton - Synths (on track 1)

Eddi Reader - Vocals (on track 1 & 4)

Michael Owers - Vocals, Cornet, Trombone & Bass Trombone (on track 1)

Ross Ainslie - Whistle (on track 2), Highland Pipes (on track 8)

Davie Dunsmuir - Guitar (on track 3)

 

Recorded and Mixed by Andrea Gobbi at GloWormRecording

Additional Recordings by Paul Towndrow, Michael Owers, Steve Hamilton, and Davie Dunsmuir

Mastered by Andrea Gobbi at Carrier Waves Mastering

Produced by Paul Towndrow 

Design by Helen Caleb 

Front Cover Art by Megan Towndrow