Album Review: Brendan Rothwell, DESTINY
By Luke Wolk, Radio Guitar One
Published July 17, 2023
Brendan is an accomplished Canadian bassist, composer and producer. With extensive global radio airplay and multi-million streams across the primary digital platforms, his music and brand captivates his growing audience. The trigger and driving force for his decision to play the bass was the 1986 album from Miles Davis,“Tutu”, featuring the great Marcus Miller. He has released three albums to date, all of the highest quality in terms of composition and performance. His tone and patience create a fingerprint that is uniquely his own.
Destiny is his third release in a few short years. It is a 52 minute, 12 song set that showcases an undeniably impressive combination of musicianship and taste. Rothwell's melodies are quite obviously the center of his compositions at all times. He has chops, like all of his peers, but what many of them lack in taste, Brendan has to spare. It is his taste and attention to production details that keeps the listener engaged throughout the entirety of this exceptional record.
It is difficult to pick standout tracks from such a strong effort across the entirety of the set. But one that jumped out of the speakers in my first of several listens was the song My Time. One of the things I find quite unique about the instrumentation is the lack of a guitar on the track. A gutsy move that paid off with a huge dividend. The synth and piano do more than enough to create the bed track without interfering in any way with Brendan's sublime lines.
Divine is a cut that the one word title captures the vibe of the song perfectly. A lush synth pad provides the only accompaniment for Rothwell's bass that paints a flamenco flavored masterpiece. This album in many ways is walking the tightrope between Contemporary Jazz and World music. This track in particular fully embodies the latter of the two, showcasing subtle nuances of a master musician.
If I had to pick a favorite track it would be a toss up between Carmel and the closer For Now. They are both wonderful compositions that leave the kind of space that is rare in a musician that isn't playing a wind instrument, leading me to believe that Brendan has listened to a good deal of saxophone players in his formative years. My only criticism is the tracks are too short. But I suppose that's the trick isn't it? Leave your audience wanting more.
Destiny is far more than a bassist's solo record. It is proof that the bass can be the focal point of an album without exhausting the listener. It is Rothwell's restraint that serves him well. This restraint, and fluid virtuosity coupled with a full production that is mixed with a razor's precision makes for a memorable listen. When listening to this album there is no mystery as to why Brendan Rothwell is building the fan base that he is. This is an exceptional piece of work from a bassist that I believe should be judged next to the best of not only the Contemporary Jazz genre but of outstanding bassists of all genres. Names like Marcus Miller, Roscoe Beck, Stuart Hamm and Nathan East came to mind as I listened to this fantastic album. A must hear for fans of the Contemporary Jazz genre!
Album Review: Brendan Rothwell, DESTINY
By Raul Amador, Editor of Bass Musician Magazine
Published on September 19, 2022
Brendan Rothwell has a solid reputation as a smooth Jazz powerhouse so I was very excited to see a new project arrive. DESTINY is Brendan’s third album and you can tell his sound is evolving with greater use of piano and synths. That said, the bass is front and center on every track, as that is his main voice and expressive medium. Brendan’s technique is flawless and precise but still emotionally and softly outspoken.
All twelve tracks are original compositions and Brendan did all the performance, recording, and producing. It is amazing that one person can produce such a full and robust sound palate with so much variety.
Musically, DESTINY takes the listener on a lovely journey of upbeat exploration. There is a unique blend of smoothness with a funky backbone on many of the tracks. You can close your eyes and just let yourself go with the intricate flow of notes and patterns. I am sure that each person who listens will have a unique interpretation, but this is a perfect treat to share with someone you love… a nice Pinot might compliment the experience.
The Doctor Reviews "DESTINY" by Brendan Rothwell
Review by Doc Hardy
Published July 17, 2022
To me, "DESTINY", his third release, is Brendan Rothwell's breakout album.
His classical jazz approach to composition and his signature bass sound, is infused throughout the project, from his funky intro to “Foundation”, to the gentle strumming in “Divine”.
However, he seems to re-introduce himself, showcasing his musical evolution, as a true multi-instrumentalist.
I loved the spirited conversation between the bass and Electric piano throughout the project.
The acoustic piano in the grand finale, “For Now”, was magnificent, and the title of the track suggests that there is more to come, that this is only the beginning of the next phase for him musically.
Bravo Brendan. Bravo.
- Doc Hardy, Host of The Doc Hardy Show broadcast on WPKN 89.5FM, Bridgeport, CT
SmoothJazz.de reviews “DESTINY” by Brendan Rothwell
Review by by Hans-Bernd Hulsmann
Inspired by Miles Davis' Tutu featuring bassist Marcus Miller there was no other decision for Anglo-Canadian musician to choose the bass as his favorite instrument. He has so far lived out his fervent affection for the instrument on his solo albums Time On My Hands (2016) and Sentiment (2019).
With the new album DESTINY (2022), his mastery on the bass is once again in the spotlight, as well as his other instrumental versatility and compositional skills. Particularly noteworthy is his passion for acoustic and electric piano, with which he had started his musical career.
His new project includes twelve original compositions. The album opens with Tell Me which is characterized by a powerful bass sound accompanied by nuanced electric piano and synth chords.
Typical for Brendan is his affinity for harmonic melodies, which are characterized by a special atmosphere. Also in Meant to Be, the bass is the carrier of the melody as the lead instrument. Thus, titles Drifting are similarly accurate in the description, because they probably intentionally entice to relaxed dreaming.
My Time shows Brendan's concern to fill the time in the best possible way with melodious music, where even with dynamic changes, piano, drums and strings play a subordinate role first. This musical concept continues with Foundation.
Film is an art form that finds expression in the production of moving images. With music, the whole thing takes place in your own imagination. Divine speaks an expressive pictorial language in which the image is staged in the synchrony of bass and strings.
With Origin, Brendan recalls his heritage, with the sound of his keyboard sounding like a bubbling spring. The Diamond develops its true beauty only after a fine cut, which makes its brilliance shine in all facets. Thus, music rises in its sublimity only in its harmonic composition of notes.
Destiny is a meaningful word. Many things can be influenced, but man does not have all the factors in his control. Carmel is the heart of smooth jazz as we understand it as a radio format and genre. This song is dedicated to the makers of smooth jazz.
Solitude we have often met in the period of the pandemic, when we have not yet learned to live with it. The album finds it end with For Now that falls in love with musical minimalism.
Brendan Rothwell stays true to his musical style with DESTINY, without deviating an inch from it. Friends of melodic bass who are looking for music for relaxation will be fine with it.
SmoothJazzTherapy.com reviews “DESTINY” by Brendan Rothwell
Review by Denis Poole
Published July 7, 2022
Originally from North Yorkshire, England, and now comfortably ensconced in Alberta, Canada, Brendan Rothwell is one of that exclusive group of contemporary jazz musicians who as a bass player has made his mark as a lead artist. His latest release is “DESTINY” which follows his 2016 debut ‘Time On My Hands’ and ‘Sentiment’ that hit the streets two years later. Much like his previous work “DESTINY” finds him front, back and centre of a project for which he writes all twelve tracks and plays every instrument.
In fact it is unobtrusive piano that adds another dimension to the ultra contemplative ‘My Time’ and truth to tell the entire collection finds Rothwell predominately in tender mood. This is particularly so with ‘Foundation’ where he sublimely blends bass guitar with keys and again with the equally laid back ‘Solitude’. The track is further enhanced by a seriously catchy riff while elsewhere, and for anyone who has ever been to the Californian city of Carmel, there will be instant recognition of the sun blushed location that gives its name to this luscious tune.
The first single to be serviced to radio is ‘Tell Me’. Not only is it the sort of easy grooving cut that checks all the correct contemporary jazz boxes but also proves to be a wonderful showcase for Rothwell’s signature bass sound blended with the harmonies of synthed strings and cool, clean, Rhodes piano.
‘Divine’ is a number that shimmers with understated world grooves and the appropriately titled ‘Diamond’ proves to be yet another tranquil gem. Reflective in the extreme ‘Meant To Be’ is an out and out mellow charmer while in terms of personal favorites the serene yet jazzy ‘Drifting’ is right up there with the best that “DESTINY"‘ has to offer. Much the same can be said of the smooth jazz friendly ‘Origin’ and although Rothwell closes out the album with the contemplative ‘For Now’ the mood of the entire recording is best summed up by the sumptuous title cut that again finds Rothwell on both bass and keys.
Brendan’s albums are available on all digital platforms and in CD format from his website at brendanrothwell.com
Smooth-Jazz.de reviews “Sentiment” by Brendan Rothwell
Review by Hans-Bernd Hulsmann
Anglo-Canadian bassist Brendan Rothwell has set a clear signal with his debut album Time On My Hands (2016). Now he returns with his sophomore project Sentiment (2019).
Unlike its predecessor, Brendan produced and recorded his new album on his own. The absence of additional input is outweighed by the advantage of cost savings and full control over his own work.
Bass players in the lead are not uncommon particularly in the smooth jazz genre. Examples include late Wayman Tisdale, Julian Vaughn, Chuck Smith, Peter Muller, Marcus Miller, David Dyson, Garry Grainger, Michael Manson, Brian Bromberg, Gerald Veasley, Nate White, Mark Egan, Nathan East, Slim Man, just to name the more well-known.
The importance of a bassist inevitably increases with the assumption of the main task of playing the melody that forms the song. This development is also reflected in this album.
The title Keep on Keepin' On initially led me on a wrong turn, as I first thought of the interesting film about the jazz legend Clark Terry. Stylistically, the chords backing up this piece evoke memories of the great instrumental accompaniments of the Motown era. Your Move is perfectly embedded in a shuffle beat that serves as an ideal vehicle for Brendan's bass experience.
Key to My Heart gives life to a high emotional ballad revealing the smooth potential of melodic bass. Sometimes plumbs the true depths of bass evoking Brendan's splendor. On aptly titled Layin' Low Brendan is satisfying the connoisseur’s poignant appetite for authentically bass sound.
Think of You flirts with ingratiating melodic chords that leave emotional sustainability behind. The title song is indicative of Brendan's masterful command of the bass and of the atmosphere through careful use of accompanying instruments, subtle harmonies on his keyboards and also by setting the right moments for silence in between.
Strollin' is a infectious mixture of bass reverie in connection with simple repetitive but effective keyboard chords. Now's the Time starts atypically with a keyboard generated melody, so you could get the impression that Brendan is freeing himself from the cage of his solo instrument. But no, shortly afterwards he takes over the motif on his bass.
Brendan plays on Revival with elegant soul and relies again on the proven combination of keyboards sounds with his bass in the lead. On Reflection he finally let his bass speak in all its sonorous depth.
Brendan Rothwell executes his duties as bass performer with grace, technique and style. Sentiment nails the bass concept from start to finish. An album which is aimed at lovers of the bass.
The Doctor Reviews - Brendan Rothwell's new CD “Sentiment"
Published Feb 11, 2019
As an early adopter of multi-instrumentalist, Brendan Rothwell, I was privileged to get an early copy of his new CD, “Sentiment” (Independent, 2019). As a bass guitar enthusiast, I was anxious to see how Rothwell would improve upon the success of his debut CD, “Time On My Hands” (Independent, 2017) which placed him on several of the global “Best of 2017” contemporary jazz charts. Rothwell, does not disappoint. “Sentiment” is a phenomenal recording; it is both cerebral and downright funky, giving us more insight into one of Canada’s national treasures.
“Sentiment” simply is a CD about life. It is about life’s ups and downs. It’s about life’s highs and lows. It’s about setback and recovery and revival. It encompasses his experiences in business and in family life. It is recorded with the radio audience in mind, the tracks range from the ethereal and reflective to the groovy and funky.
Rothwell is widely known as a bassist focused on bringing the bass from the back of the band to the front. But on “Sentiment” he is more than that. This is a completely solo album, with Rothwell playing all the instruments, including four different bass guitars. On several songs, he plays two different bass guitars and his negotiation of the bass guitars, and the recording and engineering that went into balancing all those sounds is nothing short of genius.
I had the privilege of interviewing Brendan Rothwell on my weekly radio show “Jazz and Soul on Ice”, broadcast on WPKN 89.5 FM in Bridgeport, CT and on the internet radio station, Faces of Success Radio (FOSR 101 FM). He explained to me the background of each song on the album.
The first track, “Keep On Keepin On”, hitting radio on March 11, 2019, is inspired by the funk bands of the 1980s that he listened to as he was learning to play the bass guitar. The title comes from the tagline a world-renowned bass player used in his email correspondence.
“Your Move” is written around the “funky drummer” style loop and was built to let the 4-string Fender Jazz bass do its thing! There is some musical negotiation going on between the Fender Bass and the Dingwall 6-string bass, and as in all negotiation, there comes a time for it to be “your move”!
“Key to My Heart” was written 24 years ago, for Lisa, then Rothwell’s girlfriend, now his wife. The song was originally recorded with UK saxman Snake Davis, but Rothwell updated the track to todays’ style using the Dingwall 6-string bass for the lead line during the 2nd half of the song. “I love the result!”, Rothwell proclaimed during our interview, and so do I.
One of my favorites tracks on the album is “Layin Low”, written right after his wife Lisa’s planned surgery in 2018 when she was told to go home and “lay low.” I love the simplicity of the track. The Fender Jazz bass produces the low frequency bass lines as well as the catchy lead line. Stacked keyboards and piano add to the tension in the chorus of this track. This track represents the one-man band, the multi-instrumentalist at his finest and evokes comparisons of Marcus Miller or even early 1970s Stevie Wonder.
“Think of You” captures the challenges of 2018. In addition to caring for his wife Lisa while she recovered from planned surgery, Rothwell has a full-time career outside of the music world, where his role is arguably the most challenging it’s been for him in 30 years of working. Yet, he had committed to following the success of his first album, writing and recording “Sentiment”. This song captures the moments during 2018 when he was running 100 mph at his secular job, focusing on Lisa and her recovery and writing and recording music. To me, it is an anthem for all the family men who are providers and hustlers.
The title track, “Sentiment” includes the use of his old Ibanez Roadstar fretless and Fender Jazz bass for lead lines. The song was built to suggest nostalgia and emotion. The phone calls at the end suggest a breakdown in communication. During our interview, Brendan, kindly exhorted, “keep in touch with your people.”
Another favorite of my mine was “Strollin”. It’s funky and you can’t help but move to it when you hear it! It evoked memories of several old-school soul tunes and made me want to do “The Walk”.
“Now’s the Time” reveals Rothwell’s fastidious attention to details. He is still a student, learning from current approaches to music, while being a leader, doing his thing with the Dingwall 6-string bass and the acoustic piano. This to me is not just another bland commercial “smooth jazz” recording, but is a great contemporary jazz tune by every measure.
“Sometimes” is about working through life’s ups and downs. Accepting things in life that we can’t change and moving on. “Revival” is a track that was rescued from the proverbial “scrap heap” and re-worked and revitalized to be something he is truly proud of. Then just when you’re caught up in all the new things he brings to this project, Brendan reminds of how he got here and of his unique Brendan Rothwell sound in the final track with “Reflection”.
Brendan Rothwell, exceeded my expectations with this release. I look forward to spinning various cuts several times throughout this year. You only think you know Brendan Rothwell. I am here to tell you, you don't. But, after you listen to this eleven-track, solo, bass-centric, phenomenal new CD, "Sentiment", you will understand the Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer even more. You’ll recognize his sound. He doesn’t sound like Wayman Tisdale, Marcus Miller or Stanley Clarke. He sounds like Brendan Rothwell. This CD is a throwback to the good 'ole days, it really is “sentimental”.
-Doc Hardy, Jazz and Soul on Ice
TheJazzWorld.com reviews “Sentiment” by Brendan Rothwell
Review by Keith Richard
Published February 9, 2019
If you are like me, you love the bass. Everyone knows that the bass player is the coolest person in the group. They hold down the groove, and if we are being real here, there is no band without that bass.
In the smooth jazz genre, there are only a few bass players that can lead an album. Brendan Rothwell is one of them.
Sentiment is the second album release from the instrumentalist. It is the follow up to the breakout project Time On My Hands from 2016. That seven-track project was a good introduction to the artist, and Sentiment is an album that should make Rothwell a household name.
Sentiment drops on February 14th, just in time to add some new music to your Lover’s playlist. You DO have a Lovers’ playlist, right?
Let’s take a listen to the 11-track set and break down each one.
The set opens with Keep On Keepin’ On. At first listen, I had a visual of just walking into a concert venue. Usually, the venue will have some hot instrumental music playing to get you in the mood. I totally can hear this playing on a full, line array speaker system with a full bass sound…I guarantee that there will be a lot of heads bobbing as they step to the beat as they head to their seats.
I know you know what I am talking about!
If you want a really smooth groove, then Your Move will be the one for you. The beat almost sounds like that old-school funky drummer sample, and with Rothwell playing that bass like a singer handles that mic, you have a real winner here.
Key To My Heart is a slow jam to its core, and it would be a great addition to your smoothed out playlist. The piano will immediately grab your attention, and then you will hear that bass take over. I really like the tone of the bass as Rothwell effortlessly works it throughout.
We keep the slower pace with the next two tracks, Sometimes and Layin’ Low. They often say that less is more. This is definitely true here. With these two songs, you can just sit back, close your eyes, and enjoy the music.
On Think Of You, Rothwell shows that he can really ride a groove. The instrumentation on this track is on point, and if I am being totally real here, I would love to have a vocalist perform on the song. I will still take it as is, though.
The title track, Sentiment, is up next. I would describe this song as a five minute interlude. This could definitely be a part of the soundtrack of an intimate evening with your significant other. Sometimes you just have to break it all the way down.
The next track, Strollin’, is pretty interesting once you really listen to it. The groove is slow and smooth, but Rothwell is definitely doing some work on the bass. It is a contrast in styles, but you cannot argue with the results.
Now’s The Time is next, and it threw me a curveball at the very beginning. It sounded like an EDM beat would drop right after the intro. Rothwell gave a head fake and came back to his signature groove. I actually smell a remix here with a dance beat. Being a nightclub DJ for many years, I like to keep these type of options open. You may end up creating something for the lounges.
Revival is one of those tracks that I like to put into my “going home” playlist. You know, the ones that you listen to after a long day out. This is something you would listen to as you watch the sunset, while relaxing on the beach,
Sentiment is a great second release from one of the better up-and-coming artists on the smooth jazz scene. If you want 45 minutes of really good instrumental music, you need to take a listen to the entire album, and I am sure you will appreciate Brendan Rothwell’s flow.
The Doctor Reviews Brendan Rothwell's CD
"Time On My Hands”
Published May 16, 2018
Get ready for a smooth and funky ride when you listen to Canadian bassist, composer, and producer Brendan Rothwell’s debut CD “Time On My Hands”. Rothwell, who played violin and piano before taking up the bass, moves the bass from the back of the band to front and center, displaying the compressed, shiny sound of the bass while optimizing tone, scale, and feeling. This labor of love is an amazing piece of art, reminiscent of the sounds of the late great Wayman Tisdale, the incomparable Stanley Clark, and the legendary Marcus Miller. I had a full range of emotions while I listened to every note several times.
Rothwell first heard Marcus Miller in 1986, when Miller played bass on the Miles Davis watershed CD, “Tutu”. The Marcus Miller influence is felt from the first song, the hypnotic, “Intro (Wake the Bass)”. The simmering fusion combined with funky precision of the bass is a harbinger of melodic brilliance that is about to flow into your ears.
The debut single, “This is the Love”, inspired by his wife Lisa, demonstrates the control and precision Rothwell has over the tonal quality of the bass. The beautiful, fluid melody of the bass plays well off the backing vocals blended throughout, providing a classic bass/vocalist duet.
The song, “Smooth”, according to the album notes, is dedicated to “LTK”, a reference to the Legendary Trevor King, a drummer who influenced Rothwell into playing jazz. The piece, dedicated to Trevor and his family, is written around machines and program drums, is funky and smooth, and is perfect for your road trip jazz mix.
The tune, “The King”, is inspired by his relationship with his Dad, Alfred King Irwin Rothwell, who passed away many years ago. “It musically sums up some of the things I learned from him during the time he was on this planet”, Rothwell recently explained in an interview on the radio show, “Jazz On Ice-The Sunday Brunch”, WNLK 1350 Norwalk, Connecticut. As he strums the Takamine acoustic bass, I find myself thinking about my own relationship with my Dad. I came away with a greater appreciation for the father and son dynamic and was moved to pick up the phone and call my own son.
“Decade” has that Stanley Clark twang, fusion feel, and sound.
The title track, “Time On My Hands” made me reminisce about my hometown, playing with my friends and how I grew up. Rothwell’s ability to play the bass with feeling for the mood of any tune is clearly demonstrated on this track.
He closes the album with “Outro”, a spoken word piece that reminded me of Marcus Miller’s classic, “Tales”. Excerpts from the book, “Crucial Conversations” authored by Joseph Grenny are deftly woven throughout. "Selective Perception: our emotions come from OUR STORIES, not from the facts” Grenny says on the track.
MY STORY, and I’m sticking with it, is that Brendan Rothwell’s CD “Time On My Hands” is not just a bass lovers’ delight, but is what any lover of good music is looking to hear. To all my fellow lovers of Marcus Miller, Stanley Clark or Wayman Tisdale, I highly recommend adding Rothwell’s CD to your collection.
Checkout The Doctor's interview of Brendan Rothwell:
https://soundcloud.com/user-796855614/jazz-on-ice-brendan-rothwell-4-8-18-soundcloud