Malcolm Strachan - Look on the Bright Side [LP]

On "Look On The Bright Side", Malcolm Strachan sounds more open than ever. His third solo album moves effortlessly between soul-jazz, Latin groove, s and Afrobeat touches, anchored by the warm, cinematic feel of 1970s jazz, but driven by a clear sense of forward motion.The album sees Strachan stepping further into his role as a composer and bandleader, drawing together the threads of a career spanning more than two decades at the heart of the UK's jazz, funk, and soul scene.Where his debut "About Time" (2020) channeled the spirit of classic Blue Note recordings and "Point Of No Return" (2023) leaned into the groove-heavy CTI era, "Look On The Bright Side" feels broader in scope - still rooted in groove, but more open to outside influences and a more consciously uplifting tone."I wanted the music to feel upbeat and positive, " says Strachan. "I start at the piano, working through chord ideas until I find something that feels right. Once the harmony is there, the melodies tend to come naturally." That approach gives the album it's fluidity, with tracks evolving from feel as much as structure and arrangements that leave room for interplay and movement.Key tracks include:"Quest For Love" - A warm, dancefloor-ready groove featuring vocals from Tanja Daese (Lucinda Slim), balancing soulful melody with a subtle club sensibility."Leave It All Behind" - An uplifting, forward-looking piece built around the idea of letting go and moving on."The Eclipse" - A more left-field moment, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the influence of 1970s soul-jazz in a looser, more experimental setting.The album brings together a core group of long-time collaborators including Atholl Ransome, George Cooper and Sam Bell, alongside new additions Pat Illingworth (drums) and Sam Quintana (double bass). Special guest percussionist Steve Forman - known for his work with Lee Ritenour, Al Jarreau, Jimmy Smith, Sarah Vaughan and George Duke - adds further depth, while string arrangements bring a cinematic dimension to selected tracks.Strachan's path to this point began in Scotland, introduced to jazz at an early age by his father. After studying at Leeds College of Music, he became immersed in the city's funk and soul scene, later building a career that includes work with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Jess Glynne, and Blue Note legend Lou Donaldson, alongside his role as a founding member of The Haggis Horns.Across "Look On The Bright Side", those influences are present but never overstated. Instead, the focus remains on feel - groove-led, melodic and open, with a sense of positivity running throughout.For listeners drawn to the intersection of soul, jazz and rhythm, it's a record that feels both rooted and forward-looking - a natural progression from an artist continuing to refine his voice.