Aidan Newland - Home (EP)
Picture Credit: Aidan Newland
Having recently graduated from Leeds Conservatoire, London-based saxophonist and composer Aidan Newland prepares to release his debut ‘EP’ ‘Home’. An immersive and engaging record, it draws upon the rich lineage of jazz musicians who embrace the tranquillity and spaciousness of ambient music. At times sombre, optimistic at others - ‘Home’ is an impressive debut release from this monumentally talented young musician, at the beginning of his journey.
Spread across five tracks, the record commences with the oceanic breaths of title track and first single ‘Home’, which embodies the conveys feelings of comfort and reflection/contemplation with a melancholy ambience. Second single ‘May’ provides a soundtrack to personal reconciliation, its sombre introduction is followed by a gradual crescendo, representing both coming to terms with things through acceptance and also a feeling of helplessness. On its inception, Aidan says: ‘The composition of May was probably the most emotional and cathartic musical experience I've ever had. After taking a couple of years to come to terms with the reality that I suffer from anxiety, I sat down at the piano one evening in May 2022, with no plan, but the sole intention of exploring how I was feeling, accepting the reality of my situation and the frustration that I've gone through to get to this point. The frustration was born out of trying to deal with all of this on my own rather than sharing my experiences and seeking help. I recorded the piano first and then went in to record the improvised saxophone part so that the piece could develop into a conversation with myself.’ The third movement of the EP is ‘Lost’, a beguiling and entrancing piece, leading the listener further down the rabbit hole, as an uncertain, disorientating and uneasy feeling lingers in the shadows. ‘Temporary Freedom’ strives for balance in life, and carries an undercurrent of hope - like the sun breaking through the clouds on an overcast day. The EP’s climax ‘Drifting’ is a perfect example of Aidan’s musical sensibilities, with a lush soundscape providing a spine tingling accompaniment for earth saxophone tones to speak directly to the listener’s soul.
Having composed and performed the entire record, Aidan demonstrates his incredible ability to build complex and alluring textures within the music. Twisting, intriguing melodies weave throughout the soothing sonics, creating moments of raw human emotion.