Synchronicity
Outer Marker, 2023
9/10
A very creative interpretation of the classic album from The Police, George Hazelrigg, Geoff Hazelrigg and John O’Reilly Jr. make for a very memorable tribute record, where the seminal tracks are handled with much care.
“Synchronicity I” opens the listen with George’s swift keys and O’Reilly’s agile drumming making for a mesmerizing climate, and “Walking In Your Footsteps” follows with Geoff’s playful bass plucking complementing the hypnotic piano of the very warm delivery.
Further on, “Miss Gradenko” is a quick blast of technical and complicated dynamics between the trio, while “Every Breath You Take” has Geoff playing bass in a baritone range alongside the melodic key patterns.
Deeper still, “King Of Pain” retains the emotive spirit of the original with the 3 working together in the most obvious jazz fashion with excellent results, and “Murder By Numbers” starts and ends with a drum solo, and spotlights the Hazelrigg’s skilled piano and bass in the middle.
The album was recorded in one room using two stereo microphones, and it gives the listen a very crisp, spontaneous feel that truly does justice to this seminal record, while showcasing the inestimable talent of the brothers and O’Reilly Jr.
Travels well with: Audible Spirits- Audible Spirits; Darren Johnston- Wild Awake