Insight
A series in which musicians give us insight into the background of one of their recordings
Despedida La Bodega
by The Jack Ruby 5
From the title, people would be forgiven for not relating it to Glasgow, Scotland! "Like Stan Getz, whose melodic fluency carried jazz into dialogue with Brazilian music, the album leans gently on Latin rhythms. Its phrasing and harmonic choices at times nod towards the understated, rhythmic style of João Gilberto – his intimate guitar comping providing a parallel to Despedida La Bodega’s Spanish twist. This affinity with Latin jazz mirrors the album’s cultural resonance, deepening its Glaswegian storytelling."
​
Listen to the atmospheric Rainy Night In Shettleston:
The title Despedida La Bodega (Despedida means a farewell celebration) pays homage to a now-lost venue in Glasgow’s shipping quarter, central to the band’s formation and artistic identity. Drummer and label founder Bob Anderson explains:
​
“The album is an ode to the disappearing liminal spaces in Glasgow’s cityscape. Specifically, the album’s title refers to a Spanish café/bar/venue (La Bodega) that was situated in the old shipping area of the city. In the early days of the band, we would play there quite regularly, and it was where we developed the ensemble sound and styles that have resulted in the original compositions featured on the album. La Bodega was an unusual space, not just in its location (away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets), but also in its décor/ambience, as well as the authentic Spanish tapas it served. The venue also had a salsa dance studio upstairs. Though it could not be described as ‘high end’, it was much more ‘down and dusty’. It encapsulated the notion of a ‘liminal space’ where you never knew who you would meet or what could happen. Sadly, Glasgow is losing more and more of these spaces, spaces which allow for experimentation and developing non-mainstream art and culture.”
​
Listen to the Latin flavoured Kelvingrove Street. This video gives us a picture of the stories behind the album:
Guitarist and chief composer Ian Macmillan positions the album as something singular within Scotland’s jazz community:
​
“It has a different twist to contemporary Celtic or academic fusion-influenced styles. It could be interpreted as a 1990s acid jazz-influenced. Two key musicians who inspired me and influenced my approach to playing are Grant Green and Bill Frisell. Learning to play in a jazz style can be intimidating and difficult to know where to start. Grant Green was the first guitarist I ‘got’ in that I had a grasp of his vibe and approach to playing. I loved his sound and phrasing. Bill Frisell has a unique style – there’s a deceptive simplicity blended with avant-garde developments often involving the use of effects. That gave me inspiration when recording the LP.”
​
While the guitar guides the narrative, the compositions are deeply connected to Glasgow’s people and places.
​
“Memories of places/people or life events that have taken place, e.g. in the eponymously named tunes and others more occluded. I’m sure listeners will relate to the Glasgow place names and have their own significant stories to share. There is a Spanish twist within the LP, which can be related to life experience in Scotland. As Scots, we have a great respect for Spanish culture and history.”
Rather like Red Nichols Five Pennies, Jack Ruby's 5 is not restricted to just 5 members. On this album we hear: Bob Anderson (drums); Willie Brown (double bass); Sandy Cormie (keys); Meredith Crone (congas); Ian Macmillan (guitars); Ivan Marples (sax); John Milne (trombone) and Clare Thomas (cornet).
Despedida La Bodega is a fine homage to Glasgow’s fading cultural fabric, "combining the melodic elegance of Getz, the soulful grit of Green, the rhythmic drive of Byrd, and the groove-conscious elegance of acid jazz pioneers. The record is designed for listeners who seek music that bridges tradition, experimentation, and heartfelt storytelling". This is an accessible, enjoyable album, but that does not adequately describe the ideas and interpretation that the band has achiueved here.
​
It is planned that Despedida La Bodega will be available on Bandcamp from the 7th November. The band's Facebook page is here where you will find more details and information about upcoming gigs.
© Sandy Brown Jazz 2025.11