Glasgow-based saxophonist Brian Molley and his quartet are set to release their sixth album, Tùs/Origin, on March 20. The record explores Scottish musical influences on jazz, drawing from traditions like Gaelic psalm singing and connections to abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Formed in 2012, the group has built an international reputation through tours and acclaimed releases.
The Brian Molley Quartet, led by Glasgow saxophonist Brian Molley, will launch Tùs/Origin on Friday, March 20. This marks the ensemble's sixth studio album, following Journeys, which was recorded in the Rajasthan desert and featured collaborations with Indian musicians.
Molley explains the album's focus: “The first Scottish immigrants to travel to Canada and America took their culture with them, including a uniquely Scottish musical tradition known as call-and-response line-singing.” He adds that this practice, prominent in Gaelic psalm singing, influenced the development of jazz and popular music. The album pays tribute to 19th-century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, a frequent visitor to Scotland, through a through-composed suite that includes a musical ode and lament.
Influences span local and broader traditions. “We wanted to incorporate traditions including influences from the Outer Hebrides, so the album incorporates those as well as a Louisiana gospel stomp, a jig and a hoedown,” Molley says. “It’s respectful while maintaining contemporary jazz’s sense of adventure and exhilaration.”
Formed in 2012, the quartet comprises Molley on saxophone, pianist Tom Gibbs, double bassist David Bowden, and drummer Stephen Henderson. Molley earned recognition as “One to Watch” from Jazzwise magazine after their 2013 debut, Clock. Later releases include Colour and Movement in 2017 and Modern Traditions in 2021, both praised internationally.
The group has performed at venues like Sunset in Paris, The Jazz Station in Brussels, Rochester International Jazz Festival in New York, Harmonia Jazz Festival in Brazil, Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea, and Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Recent travels include a first trip to Brazil and a performance at Auckland Arts Festival in New Zealand in 2024.
Molley reflects on the shift in focus: “After two albums that found us involved successfully with leading Indian musicians and concerts that paid homage to top composers, including Henry Mancini and Antonio Carlos Jobim, we wanted to highlight our Scottish roots.” The material was tested at the Edinburgh Fringe, receiving positive audience responses, and early radio feedback has been encouraging.
