Ubuntu Music to Release Matt Ridley’s The Antidote Live Album

July 10, 2023 Martin Hummel

Matt Ridley / The Antidote: Live at the

London Jazz Festival

20th October 2023

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0149

Left to right: Tom Hewson, Ant Law, Matt Ridley, Alex Hitchcock, Marc Michel (Photographer: Tone LDN)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the continuation of its successful relationship with Matt Ridley and his premiere ensemble, The Antidote, which delivers an intoxicating combination of strong melodic and thematic jazz music in a live recording from the London Jazz Festival in 2022. The release date is 20th October 2023.

This marks the third recording from Matt and The Antidote to be released on the Ubuntu Music record label.

The Antidote was formed in 2019 as the next chapter in the evolution of Matt Ridley's oeuvre as bandleader/composer. Having worked with guitarist Ant Law extensively in his quintet and 'Art of Rhythm' trio project, it was natural to include him on guitar to complement the prog/rocky elements of the music. Saxophonist Alex Hitchcock, a dazzling young player, had caught Matt's attention. Tom Hewson, an old friend with a particular affinity for Matt's writing style, was another logical choice. Marc Michel came highly recommended and has fit the dynamic of the band so well that he continues to perform with the group, despite having relocated to Berlin post Covid/Brexit. The rapport developed in pre-production and recording the studio album in 2019, which can be heard in abundance on the record, continued to evolve and develop after the 18-month hiatus due to Covid. 2022 saw the band nominated in the 'Best Jazz Album 2021' category of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, perform a headline show at Ronnie Scott’s, sell-out their London Jazz Festival gig, and perform shows all over the UK.

Matt Ridley (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Matt set himself the challenge of writing new material for the tour in the Autumn of 2022, and these new compositions comprise the suite which make up the first four tunes on the live album. The individual titles deal with various disparate current affairs and philosophies (as is typical with Matt's music): 'For Joan' is dedicated jointly to his grandmother and the late Queen Elizabeth II; 'Justice and Revenge are Very Different Things' is a quote from Coleman Hughes; 'The Frog Prince' recognises the issue of male marginality; 'Zelensky' recognises the resolve and leadership of president Zelensky and the struggle of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. The final three tunes on the album were previously released on 'The Antidote' and 'The Antidote Reloaded', and bear testament to the rapport between the musicians and the development of the music after several years of playing together.

Matt shares his thoughts: "I was so happy that the band has continued to perform in its original line-up, post-Covid. When lockdown hit, it was uncertain what would happen to my performing career as a whole, let alone the studio album (recorded four months previously). Despite Marc Michel relocating to Berlin, the original line-up has prevailed, and grown stronger as a result. The band feels so good to play with that I have been determined to keep the band going by writing and performing new material. The opportunity to record a live album has long been a dream of mine; something to capture the excitement of jazz happening right then and there, warts or no warts. This opportunity came almost by chance, when old friend and fellow Darius Brubeck Quartet bandmate, Dave O'Higgins, mentioned to me that he does live recordings. He happened to be free on the date of our gig, and the rest, as they say, is history..."

Concerning his extended relationship with Ubuntu Music, Matt explains: "I was equally pleased that Martin Hummel took the time (as he always does) to give the music a proper listen and decide to release the album on Ubuntu. Having received great support from the label throughout the release of 'The Antidote' and follow up EP, 'The Antidote Reloaded', I am thrilled that the next chapter in this band's history will be told via Ubuntu. It's clear from the roster of signings from the UK and abroad, that Ubuntu is becoming the 'go-to' indie jazz label in the UK. Long may it continue!"

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I love Matt’s playing and his craftsmanship as a composer. The Antidote brings this all together so beautifully. Like Matt, I’m a big fan of recorded live jazz performance. There’s no place to hide and no studio overdubs to finesse. It’s terrifying and liberating at the same time. And these guys rose to the occasion to deliver something truly special. We’re thrilled to be releasing the third consecutive album from Matt and The Antidote, strengthening our bond as brothers of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

Left to right: Marc Michel, Alex Hitchcock, Matt Ridley, Tom Hewson, Ant Law. (Photographer Rob Blackham)

For further information, please contact:

Matt Ridley/Artist: mattridleybass@gmail.com

Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

THE ANTIDOTE BIOGRAPHY

The Antidote are an exciting young contemporary jazz quintet, featuring leading lights of the UK scene: Alex Hitchcock on saxophone, Ant Law on guitar, Tom Hewson on piano, Marc Michel on drums and, of course, Matt Ridley on bass. All compositions are by Ridley; the music is firmly rooted within the contemporary jazz discipline, and also emanates both rock overtones and classical influences, evolved from decades of genuine passion for music. Matt inhabits his own space within the creative diaspora, being able to navigate a broad spectrum of inspirations and transform them into a vibrant and exciting sound.

Their eponymous debut album was released to great critical acclaim in 2021. In addition to rave reviews from coveted music publications worldwide - Jazzwise (UK), Downbeat (USA), BBC Music Magazine, Jazzmania (Belgium) Ivan Rod (Denmark) - the album was nominated for 'Best Jazz Album 2021' in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and included in the Jazzwise '20 best jazz albums of 2021' shortlist.

2022 saw the band release a follow-up EP entitled 'The Antidote Reloaded'. The year included headlining Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, touring the UK, and performing a sell-out show at the London Jazz Festival, which was recorded. The resultant live album will be released in October 2023.

REVIEW: Matt Ridley 'The Antidote'

August 2, 2021 Martin Hummel

London Jazz News’ Graham Spry sings the praises of Ridley’s debut on Ubuntu Music.

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

Ubuntu Music Signs Gifted Bassist Matt Ridley for Album Release

March 22, 2021 Martin Hummel

The Antidote

23rd July 2021

UBU0068 / CD & Digital & Formats

Matt Ridley (Photography by Monika S Jakubowska)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the highly gifted bassist, Matt Ridley, for the release of his upcoming album, The Antidote, on 23rd July 2021.

Matt began his musical journey on piano, aged six. By his mid-teens, he gravitated towards bass guitar, and was gigging professionally at 19 years old. In 2001, he enrolled at Trinity College of Music, and it was there that he began learning the double bass. Matt performed his final recital entirely on this instrument and, upon graduating with a Bmus honours degree in Jazz Studies, he was awarded the Trinity College of Music 'Friends in New York' award. Matt has also made a comprehensive study of classical music under the tutelage of LSO bassist Jani Pensola and, in 2017, Matt won a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma in classical double bass.

A true devotee of his instrument, discernible influences on Matt's playing span the last 60+ years of jazz history to include Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Scott Lafaro, Miroslav Vitous, as well as more modern players such as Christian McBride and Larry Grenadier. As well as being exceptionally studied, Matt’s outlook is also forward looking and individual. His own music represents a unique melange of contemporary jazz, classical music and world music.

Based in London, Matt has performed internationally and at many of the UK’s most prestigious venues such as the Purcell Room, Cadogan Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, King’s Place, the Barbican and the O2 Arena.

As a band leader, Matt released his debut album, Thymos, on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013, featuring the talents of award-winning pianist John Turville, drummer George Hart, and guest appearances from saxophonist Jason Yarde, oud maestro Attab Haddad and percussionist Vasilis Sirikis. Matt’s follow-up album, Mettā, was released in February 2016. Jason Yarde having joined the original trio as a permanent member, the entire quartet recording was completed in one day, a testament to the empathy and communication between the musicians.

Matt is an in-demand sideman, known equally for his work with younger musicians on the contemporary jazz scene, and with older, more established names. He has worked extensively with guitarist Ant Law in his quintet and 'Art of Rhythm' trio with drummer Asaf Sirkis, and with Darius Brubeck (son of Dave Brubeck) in a quartet featuring Dave O’Higgins on saxophone. Matt was bass player in Michael Garrick's many ensembles, and continued his 'MJQ Celebration' band featuring Jim Hart, Barry Green and Steve Brown after his death in 2011. In a more ad hoc capacity, Matt has performed at home and abroad with the best of the UK jazz scene, and with artists from the US, Europe and Africa.

Matt’s upcoming release, 'The Antidote', is a new and exciting quintet album, bristling with young talent. Their eponymous album was recorded in October 2019, (yes, the name 'The Antidote' precedes the current Coronavirus crisis) where 12 tracks were shaped over a three-day period.

Matt describes his inspiration for the music: "I spent a long time reflecting on musical culture in the UK, and my own identity and relationship with all of the different music that I have encountered over 15+ years of being a professional bassist. When it came down to it, I concluded that what the English do really well, is ROCK, FOLK, and CLASSICAL music. I realised that, deep down, I've always wanted to ROCK OUT, to be wild and free, to fly unhindered and answerable to no-one. So I set out creating my own music, that would combine 'thinking man's' Rock music (Radiohead/Beatles...without the posturing and banal dumbing-down which is inevitable in more commercial pop music), with Jazz improvisation (without falling foul of pretentious self-indulgence), simple, memorable, Folky melodies, and the detail, sensitivity, and emotional depth of Classical music."

The result is 'The Antidote', remarkable for its depth, integrity, and refreshing insistence on strong melodic and thematic material.

Matt continues: “I am tremendously excited to finally be releasing this latest chapter of my music. To do so, I formed my dream band, made up of truly amazing musicians who really understand what I'm trying to achieve. Alex Hitchcock is a rising star saxophonist who brings great energy with his soloing but also really plays with his heart. Ant Law has been a close musical ally for years. In addition to extremely burning solos, he brings a huge palette of sounds and symphonic textures. Tom Hewson, similarly burning, brings great imaginative flair and, unusually for a jazz pianist, really understands and loves the rockier elements of the music. Marc Michel provides all levels of accompaniment, ranging from combative hi-octane interaction, real commitment to groove, and sensitive brush work at the other end of the spectrum.”

Concerning his new-found home at Ubuntu Music, Matt elaborates: “I am extremely proud and excited to be joining the Ubuntu Family. A cursory glance at the release catalogue reveals a truly wonderful cross-section of jazz today, from straight-ahead contemporary swing, through vocal-led projects, to more avant-garde and experimental. I am honoured that 'The Antidote' will be part of this admirable oeuvre. Martin Hummel has been a great support through the entire process. He really is a 'facilitator' and not a 'dictator'. I believe the future of the label is very bright with him at the helm.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “I’ve admired Matt and his music for some time, and drew even closer to Matt through our relationship with Darius Brubeck. Matt is a genuine, zero-pretence artist who knows his stuff and engages with his audience through his accessible-yet-challenging compositions. He slips through multiple genres of music with ease, while underpinning it all with a solid jazz foundation. ‘The Antidote’ is grounded in unwavering integrity, with Matt at his finest. We’re thrilled to have him in the Ubuntu Music family.”

For further information, please contact:

Martin Hummel (Ubuntu Music) martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

Emma Perry (UK Publicity) emmasarahperry@gmail.com

Ubuntu Music to Release Pianist Jacky Naylor’s Latest Project

February 14, 2021 Martin Hummel

The Industrial Suite

UBU0085: Digital Format

Release Date: 9th April 2021

Jacky Naylor (Photography by Brian Homer)

Ubuntu Music is pleased to announce the continuation of its relationship with gifted pianist Jacky Naylor, for the release of his commissioned project, The Industrial Suite.

Jacky describes the project: “The great thing about this commission was that it enabled me to put together a new ensemble, featuring some of my favourite musicians: Tom Syson (Trumpet), Alex Hitchcock (Tenor), Harry Maund (Trombone) Will Sach (Double Bass) and Luca Caruso (Drums). The last year has been very different to previous years, with vastly reduced performance opportunities, but due to generous support from Arts Council England, we were able to rehearse and record this project. In addition, I invited videographer Tom Sankey to film the recording process, and document three pieces from the suite.”

Jacky continues, regarding the music of Industrial Suite: “‘Industrial’ is a suite of music I wrote in response to a commission from Lancaster Jazz Festival. It’s based on the textile mills and factories in the North of England, which are not only a big part of my own family’s history, but the history of many other northern families. The suite consists of five pieces, each with their own narrative and character, ranging from the busy mill-yard and heavy clunky machinery, to workers’ strikes and disputes, via a train ride through the Yorkshire countryside when the mills closed for Wakes Weeks.”

And Jacky shares his thoughts about his label: “Having worked alongside Martin (Hummel) for my trio release with Meraki earlier last year, I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Ubuntu family. There are so many incredible musicians on the label, and it’s a privilege to release my music alongside them.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Jacky is all about talent, brains and drive. Working with him on Meraki, his trio album, was an absolute pleasure. We’re delighted to continue this productive and fulfilling relationship with Jacky, as a special Ubuntu family member.”

For further information, please contact:

Jacky Naylor info@jackynaylor.com

Martin Hummel (Ubuntu Music) martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

JOE DOWNARD AND JAMES COPUS – THE DYNAMIC DUO REBOOT JAZZ CAFE LIVE PERFORMANCES

October 6, 2020 Martin Hummel

Jazzwise’s James Rybacki writes, “All in all, it’s both a triumphant return to live music and a chance for Ubuntu Music to show off some of the exquisite talent they’ve got on the roster.”

The Joe Downard Sextet. Photo by Monika S Jakubowska.

A return, at last, to live jazz and all that comes with it. The frenetic improvisation of top-drawer players spurred on by an enraptured crowd, the electric charge that ripples around the room as a wicked chord change throws you, a blue note cuts through, and the band brings it all together to rise to a crescendo.

Onstage in Camden Town’s newly socially distanced Jazz Cafe, the relief from the artists is almost palpable. They’re back to doing what they love, and playing with a renewed passion and zest - you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

Launching his album Seven Japanese Tales after what must have been an agonising and uncertain wait, Joe Downard wields his upright bass with downright intensity, steering his band adroitly through seven lush and long pieces. Leading the attack, Alex Hitchcock and James Copus’s respective saxophone and trumpet play off each other magnificently, intertwining with invention and restlessly sparring.

The rhythm players come into their own on songs like ‘Terror’, where a driving and busy opening gives way to a more pensive and meandering middle section. Later in the set, the tense chords at the start of ‘The Thief’ are even more awesomely jarring in person than they are on the record. There, they are exquisitely dissonant. Here, they almost strike fear in the best way possible.

James Copus starts his set with new material, a languid groove that lays the foundation for the set and showcases the trumpeter’s evident chops. Copus’s material from his album ‘Dusk’ has a more electronic feel for the live set, with an electric bass and Fender Rhodes sound changing up the musical soundscape. The keys playing enters more synthy territory at times, getting very glitchy and outside, spiraling chaotically before coming back in line. All in all, it’s both a triumphant return to live music and a chance for Ubuntu Music to show off some of the exquisite talent they’ve got on the roster. “We’re taking over London,” co-founder Martin Hummel tells me between sets, “come with us!” Gladly.

Copus & Downard Smash It at Jazz Café!

October 1, 2020 Martin Hummel

Marlbank’s Stephen Graham writes, “Live jazz again in Camden town? Bring it on.”

Conor Chaplin, James Copus and Tom Cawley.

Four Big Stars for Downard's 'Seven Japanese Tales' !!!!

July 27, 2020 Martin Hummel

UK Vibe’s Mike Gates writes, “Seven Japanese Tales is a mesmerising debut from Joe Downard. On this evidence, he has to be one to watch for the future. His music is fresh and inspiring, with a free creative spirit that one hopes will continue to flourish in the years ahead.”

Interview: Helena Kay

March 10, 2020 Martin Hummel

Talented tenor sax player is interviewed by Alex Hitchcock.

For the full interview, please click on the image, above.

Ubuntu Music Signs Gifted Bassist Joe Downard For Debut Album Release

March 9, 2020 Martin Hummel

Joe Downard

Seven Japanese Tales

UBU0060 / 12th June 2020

CD & Digital Formats

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of gifted bassist Joe Downard, for the worldwide release of his debut album, ‘Seven Japanese Tales’, on 12th June 2020.

As one of the most in demand bassists in the UK, Joe Downard is widely recognised for his skills as a performer and improvisor. He is a crucial component to a number of the UK’s top rhythm sections that range from modern contemporary jazz and soul to electronic and west African music. Joe is regularly seen in these groups touring the UK and Europe.

Predominantly an electric bass player in his early years, Joe made the move to London to focus on the upright bass in jazz and soon immersed himself within the scene, notably in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Shortly after joining the Orchestra, Joe became the chair holder for NYJO and retained the position for four years. During his time with the band, Joe recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums, toured extensively and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre, Gregory Porter and some of the top UK jazz instrumentalists.

Joe Downard performing at Jazz in The Round.

Residing in London, Joe has been a part of many groups that are making great waves in the current scene. The Alex Hitchcock Quintet is an exciting and eclectic group of London’s finest instrumentalists and continues to live up to their reputation on the international jazz stage. In a breakthrough year in 2018, a 15-date nationwide tour of their acclaimed debut EP was followed by a sold-out launch at Pizza Express Jazz Club in London and performances at Ronnie Scott's and the Love Supreme Jazz Festival.

Joe also shows impressive flexibility and stylistic awareness as an integral part of the band Waaju, who seek to encapsulate the influence from a number of cultures across Africa, South America and beyond, diving deep into the heritage of these musical cultures, while leaving behind any preconceptions and promoting forces largely unexplored in a Western context.

As well as being deeply rooted in the blues and jazz tradition, Joe can also be heard in LONO who describe themselves as “strange, funky, orchestral and analog”. LONO are a group of studio musicians who collaborate with artists to create music within the electronic genre but also work with filmmakers and photographers. They have been play-listed by BBC Radio 1Xtra and Worldwide FM. The most recent work from LONO can be heard on Joe’s debut release ‘Seven Japanese Tales’.

Joe has received much recognition for his contribution to the music scene he thrives in today, with accolades such as being named “One to Watch” in Bass Guitar Magazine, The Worshipful Company of Musicians ‘Jazz Musician of The Year’ finalist and, most recently, the recipient of the Sir Elton John Scholarship to attend the masters course at The Royal Academy of Music. The March edition of Jazzwise Magazine profiled Joe in their ‘Taking Off’ feature on the hottest young artists in jazz.

Joe Downard performing at Love Supreme Jazz Festival.

In 2019, the Joe Downard Sextet was born, which features Joe’s original compositions and some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe. Their first project, ‘Seven Japanese Tales’, will be released on 12th June worldwide, on the Ubuntu Music record label. Joe describes the project: “This is a suite of music named and inspired by a collection of short stories by the great 20th -century Japanese writer Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Narratives and characters are expressed through interweaving melodies that echo both within individual pieces and improvised passages, and throughout the music as a whole, creating a thread for the listener to follow over the course of the suite. I have moved away from the traditional sextet lineup by introducing multiple synthesizers, which ground the compositions firmly in a contemporary soundscape and opens up exciting textural possibilities, both live and in a future recording environment. The distinctiveness of the three melody instruments (trumpet, saxophone and synth) complements the intense push-and-pull between drums and bass that keeps the music full of momentum. I’m absolutely delighted that Alex Hitchcock (tenor), James Copus (trumpet), Will Barry (piano), Rupert Cox (synthesizers) and Felix Ambach (drums) have joined me on this exceptional project.”

Joe continues, in describing his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I am incredibly happy to announce signing with Ubuntu Music for my debut release. I am really excited to be working with a label that is so passionate about promoting new music and rising talent. Most importantly, it feels great to be in good company at this label, amongst friends and others that I have a musical connection with.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes, saying, “Joe is a part of a dynamic new breed of amazing jazz talent in this country. His repertoire is diverse, and his playing is consistently brilliant. ‘Seven Japanese Tales’ demonstrates just how good Joe is, as a composer, arranger and as an artist. Combined with seriously talented musicians, you know this will be a special release. We are so happy to have Joe join us with this highly unique and compelling project.”

For further information, please contact:

Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

Emma Perry (UK Publicity) emmasarahperry@gmail.com