The Family Tree is the new album from UK double bassist/composer Gavin Barras. The inspiration for the album has come from the concept of family, both literal and 'musical' family such as band members, contemporaries and musical heroes. The record features ten new compositions all written since Gavin became a father for the first time in June 2016. The album features Gavin playing a double bass built by his own father, Steve Barras, a keen amateur stringed instrument maker. Steve spent 15 years building the bass and many of the tunes on the album were composed on this instrument. The bass sets up a lot of the compositions either by playing an ostinato such as in Swingin' Charlie or a short solo like at the beginning of the Caribbean tinged Steve's Song. The music ranges in style from a lilting waltz (Waltz for my Wife) to a full rock/drum and bass vibe (CBGB's). Individual members of the band have played together before but never in the same group. Collective improvisation is a hallmark of many of the tunes not least in the title track The Family Tree where guitarist Jim Faulkner and saxophonist Jeff Guntren, bounce off each other, intertwining musical phrases, until the climax of the tune. Drummer, Dave Walsh offers inventive, solid support throughout the album and is featured in a number of solo sections notably at the end of the ballad Mossy Lea - an ode to the area of The Peak District where Gavin lives. Two of the compositions feature Gavin on an acoustic guitar, again built by his father but this time back in 1967. These tunes contrast with the rest of the album as they feature Gavin playing in a trio with viola player Rhiannon James and cellist Margit van der Zwan.
