When Colin Steele released 'Stramash' in 2008, it was nothing short of groundbreaking. Fusing the
melodic soul of Scottish folk music with the harmonic sophistication and improvisational fire of jazz, it
created a sound that felt entirely new. Eighteen years on, Steele returns with the long-awaited sequel:
'Stramash II'.
The original 'Stramash' was met with universal critical acclaim. The Independent hailed it as “the best
amalgam of bop and folk yet,” while The Sunday Times named it the second-best jazz release in the
world in 2008 — narrowly edged out by Melody Gardot. Yet despite the accolades, the album defied
easy categorisation. Too jazzy for some folk purists, too folk-infused for certain jazz traditionalists, it
sat gloriously outside the boxes. Perhaps the world simply wasn’t ready. It is now.
With ‘Stramash II’, Steele reclaims the helm with his trailblazing ten-piece ensemble and delivers a set
of deeply personal, strikingly beautiful compositions. Folk-rooted melodies intertwine seamlessly with
jazz harmony, groove and improvisation, creating music that is cinematic, evocative and utterly
distinctive.
