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Richard Maegraith is one of the best jazz musicians around.

He is well respected within Sydney jazz circles, having worked professionally in a number of musical settings over the years. Many Southern Cross readers, no doubt, also know him through his contribution to various Christian recordings and performances.

Richard’s new album, Free Running, provides a wonderful portrait of Richard’s gifts as saxophonist, composer and arranger, as well as his serious Christian conviction.

If one were forced to categorize, the album would be a true ‘jazz’ album, rather than a ‘Christian music’ album. Yet Richard’s gifts are used in service of God and with titles such as ‘Propitiation’ and ‘Eden’s Story’, this listener couldn’t help but reflect on the profound truths to which they allude.

For this recording, Richard has assembled a first-rate cast of musicians. All are well known and respected and perform superbly here. The compositions are best described as encapsulating a reflective beauty. They are meaningful and elegant.

Richard and his colleagues, who play with spirit and sophistication, present each track with care. His saxophone styling is warm and lyrical but also impassioned.
However, it is not simply the musical prowess of these artists that makes this album special. There is just something about it. Something aesthetic. Something wonderful. If I had to choose one word to describe it, ‘enchanting’ would capture it best.