On “Look On The Bright Side”, Malcolm Strachan sounds more open than ever. His third solo album moves effortlessly between soul-jazz, Latin groove, s and Afrobeat touches, anchored by the warm, cinematic feel of 1970s jazz, but driven by a clear sense of forward motion.The album sees Strachan stepping further into his role as a composer and bandleader, drawing together the threads of a career spanning more than two decades at the heart of the UK’s jazz, funk, and soul scene.Where his debut “About Time” (2020) channeled the spirit of classic Blue Note recordings and “Point Of No Return” (2023) leaned into the groove-heavy CTI era, “Look On The Bright Side” feels broader in scope – still rooted in groove, but more open to outside influences and a more consciously uplifting tone.”I wanted the music to feel upbeat and positive, ” says Strachan. “I start at the piano, working through chord ideas until I find something that feels right. Once the harmony is