“Something tells me that the Melbourne band Shol doesn’t derive its name from the street acronym for ‘Subtle hints of lesbianism’ although their original composition titles could easily carry such subtlety. Rather and much more likely it’s derived from the first letter of the surnames of trumpeter Chris Skepper, pianist Andrew Harrison, bassist John O’Hagan and drummer Chris Lewis. Chris Pappas is the group’s newest member on tenor saxophone. The group derives its inspiration from the hard bop and free jazz of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It’s quite evident that Harrison has listened intently to pianist Don Pullen in the way his treble runs seem to scatter upwardly like a bird taking fright. Skepper’s trumpet and flugelhorn has a youthful rounded tone which is at its exploratory best on the pensive ‘Inner Sense of Beauty’. ‘The Persian Princess’ has middle eastern and sometimes flamenco
undertones, but perhaps the group’s definitive sound is on display with the Blue Note favoured hard bop ‘A Journey Within’. The Pappas solo is simultaneously soul searching and agile. It’s refreshing to see a solid unit writing original compositions specifically for their clearly evident inspirations”. 3.5 stars.

Peter Wockner
www.jazzandbeyond.com.au

“Shol have certainly developed a most engaging sound and their original pieces reflect a commitment to thoughtful, intelligent composition.”

Jack Beamish
Jazz Spectrum