Spark
Adhyâropa, 2026
8/10
The composer, saxophonist and clarinetist Aaron Irwin is joined by Mike Baggetta and Bill Campbell for these blues and folk spirited songs that are sophisticated and grounded via their inimitable chemistry.
“Spark” opens with Baggetta’s light guitar amid the soft sax for an ambient and flowing delivery, and “Mississippi Hurt” follows with a gentle mood, where Campbell’s agile drumming is surrounded by much richness and intimacy.
The middle track belongs to “Goodnight Laverne”, as the soulful sax is met with minimal drumming before the radiant guitar enters, while “a song in the front yard (after Brooks)” places Irwin on clarinet amid the frisky and rhythmic album highlight.
Arriving late, “The Snow Man (after Stevens)” blurs the wind alongside dreamy guitar and brushed drums, and “Goodnight Shirley” exits with much care via the trio’s meticulous and thoughtful interaction.
A harmonic, melodic and often reflective outing, Irwin and his company draw us into each moment thanks to their attentiveness and strategic spontaneity.
Travels well with: Patrick Zimmerli- Songs Of Innocence; Gail Archer- Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey