The Artist: Adam Nolan Trio - "Prim and Primal"

Adam Nolan

Born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1993. He took up the saxophone at age 14 and previously played rock and funk drums for some time. He found a love in the expressive nature of the saxophone new opportunities this provided. 

After finishing his Bachelor of Honours (Music) Degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at WIT. In 2015 he set a goal to create as much music as possible. Working as a session musician for Irish groups he would be always the one in the other room practising during the soundcheck. But free jazz kept calling him. 

Adam is a free jazz saxophonist based in Ireland. In the past 3 years he has become known as one of the most fearless jazz musicians on the planet. Each album is completely concept based and 100percent improvised. Striving to create new scenes and landscapes with a bold edge unlike anything currently on the scene. Authenticity comes from his modern approach with old school style concepts and influences.

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Prim and Primal

Da Jazz, insbesondere Free Jazz, nicht ganz so unser Genre ist, sprich ich eigentlich in diesem Umfeld nicht zu Hause bin und nur wenig Möglichkeiten zur Vergleichbarkeit vorliegen habe, verlassen wir respektive ich mich hier auf die Notes von Adam selbst. Ein frisches neues Konzeptalbum, das auf gegensätzlichen Persönlichkeiten und Ansätzen des Free Jazz basiert. Höflichkeit und Bescheidenheit treffen auf rohe Aggression, zu dieser Szenerie hat Adam aufgerufen, aufgefordert diese umzusetzen. Einige seiner Einflüsse, die zu dieser Aufnahmesession führten, waren Ornette Coleman, Kaoru Abe, Anthony Braxton, Kenny Garrett, Bobby Watson und Sam Rivers.

So we have to say Achtung: close your eyes and get fazinated and inspired by Adam Nolan, or free jazz - free minds - free senses by Adam Nolan

Expand the Tempo
This first track I really wanted to bring elements of Elvin Jones's swing feel with Ron Carters urban sound whilst breaking out of a set tempo and creating a new version of that 60's sound. I feel we took it beyond the original idea and stretched the music out to new levels of expression.

The Modern Jazz Trio
Inspired by modern trios and that room sound recording free jazz. I remember I was watching some cool bands online including Michaël Attias New York Trio 'Renku' and it did inspire me. I also was watching the German double bassist Peter Kowald Chicago free jazz documentary which featured some of my favourites including the great saxophonist Fred Albert who inspired my previous album 'The Great Conjunction'

Latin Jazz?
Coming up to the recording session Stan Getz kept coming to my mind, however I didn't listen to him as I was listening to other styles at the time. When it was time to record this track I decided to bring elements of latin jazz into this piece but with a complete new contemporary edge. I explained this to the guys and Derek Whyte expressed haunting contemporary harmony while Dominic played in a bossa inspired style. One of my favourites!

Ancient Mayan Jungle
I have always been fascinated by the Mayans and the tropical jungles of the ancient world. Didn't I notice in the recording session that there was a mayan art rug used to dampen the drums sounds. This was something I had to incorporate into this track. I really like to use what's in an environment to create/express scenes. One of my favourite movies is also Mel Gibson 'Apocalypto' which really gave me great visual images of hunt scenes in the jungle as was in my teenage years.

The Magic Carpet
Visualising the three of us in a desert. Thirsty and dying for a drink of cold water we spot a magic carpet flying past in the air realising if we can somehow catch and tame it we can save ourselves and find an oasis sanctuary.

The Kung Fu Master Vs The Ape
Looking for something to really define the whole album concept this scene came to my mind just before we decided to record the final track.

The Kung Fu Master Vs The Ape in a smoking area and they are the same strength! Just so it's an even fight! This scene really expresses the wild raw power of an ape along with a Kung fu masters precision, awareness and discipline complimented by the rustle and tumbles of a smoking area along with a bewildered crowd experiencing this bizarre scenario.

The Band:

Adam Nolan - Alto Saxophone

Derek Whyte - Bass

Dominic Mullan - Drums

Recorded by John Walsh at Noreside Music Studios on the 26th April 2021Mixed and Mastered by Martin Drennan