Soundhouse: Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico & Guests: Encontros – Traverse Theatre

Launching their latest album, Encontros, Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico graced the Traverse Theatre once again, bringing with them an evening filled with Brazilian-inspired jazz rhythms and grooves.  From original compositions, to rearrangements of renowned Brazilian jazz pieces (many of which were taken from Brazilian jazz player and composer Egberto Gismonti) Paul Harrison’s trio is Mágico by name, and Mágico by nature.

The first act hit us with high-energy, highlighting the beauty of Harrison’s chord harmonisation and bassist Mario Caribé’s enthusiastic and lively playing.  Drummer Stu Brown keeps the trio rolling along with his relaxed approach – that is until the second act where he completely unleashes the full power of his playing.  Brown’s kit is perfectly collated to capture that Brazilian sound, with cracking snares and bell-like rides, he utilises the kit masterfully with his impressive stick work, swapping styles with speed and experimenting with textures to grasp the full sonic scope of the kit.

What made this evening especially enjoyable was the two guests: Rachel Lightbody as the vocalist, and Laura Macdonald on the saxophone.  Lightbody’s vocal prowess is astounding – this wasn’t just your average scatting – Lightbody used a consonant heavy style to add an almost percussive feel to her voice, playing with air flow and dynamics too her voice really was an instrument of its own.  Incredibly agile and with an impressive high register, Lightbody’s unique and technically impressive approach was a very welcome addition to the trio, her style fitting perfectly into the bossa nova-like sound, especially so with those crisp consonants.  Macdonald too boasted her outstanding talent on the sax, completely taking control of the band with her powerful and emotive melodies.  Each song Macdonald featured on was a favourite of mine – her playing is beautifully smooth with a vibrant energy to it.  Macdonald’s bold style amplified the talents of the trio, with Harrison’s talent for harmonisation shining through when his and Caribé’s playing was placed alongside Macdonald’s.

Encontros is an incredible collection of work, and as jazz often is, even better live.  What struck me most was the humility and humble nature of the band – solo orders were decided on the spot, Harrison often times confused his guests, introducing them when they weren’t yet to come on, and despite this clumsy impression (charming as it was), there was not a flaw to be found in the performance – the talent of these musicians is plain to see, with their passion and heart speaking through the music.  I may even go as far to say that Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico has been my favourite act of Soundhouse’s programme this year!

Soundhouse’s next concert is a special benefit concert: A Night For MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians) on the 4th of October at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh – certainly one to make an effort for.

Reviewer: Jessie Martin

Reviewed: 5th September 2025

North West End UK Rating: