Ellora Management and Ubuntu Management Group Announce the Creation of a Formal Collaborative Partnership

The two businesses plan an aggressive expansion of

shared services with select artists from their respective rosters.

Left to right: Laura Hess-Hay and Martin Hummel.

Ellora Management Inc, a division of Ellora Designs LLC, is a Lakeville, Connecticut-based company which provides diversified music and related services to jazz artists. It is owned and managed by Laura Hess-Hay, who has considerable talent management experience. Its roster includes Ahmad Jamal, Hiromi and Marialy Pacheco.

Ubuntu Management Group Ltd is a London-based company that provides diversified music services which includes consulting, talent management and recorded music through its record label, Ubuntu Music. It is owned and managed by Martin Hummel, who has a considerable track record in advertising, marketing and communications across a broad spectrum of businesses throughout the world. Artists who have appeared on its album releases include Alina Bzhezhinska, Andrew McCormack, Camilla George, Chet Baker, Darius Brubeck, Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern, Jay Phelps, Laurence Hobgood, Mike LeDonne, Quentin Collins and Seamus Blake.

These two businesses first came together in 2019 through the shared mutual interest in a young Turkish pianist, Hakan Başar. Ellora manages Başar while Ubuntu released his debut album that same year.

The success of this initial encounter led to the decision to work together with Boston-based Japanese pianist, Yoko Miwa. Again, Ellora manages Miwa while Ubuntu will be releasing her next album on its label later this year.

Collaborations with additional artists have been identified and will be announced, shortly.

The essence of the relationship between these two parties resides in leveraging Ellora’s considerable management track record and its booking agent infrastructure along with Ubuntu’s business/marketing management experience and its highly successful Ubuntu Music record label.

Speaking on behalf of Ellora Management, President Laura Hess-Hay said, “Martin Hummel and I came together like a tornado having like minds on absolutely everything we were seeking for our mutual artist, Hakan Başar. As our talks continued and we evolved sharing our views about how we worked and what we intended to achieve in our lives musically, it quickly became apparent that we were like mirrors of the other.

My family is my priority, and this includes my music family as well. Martin’s priorities are absolutely the same. It quickly became apparent that together we could accomplish more for our upcoming family of new artists. Look out for some wonderful happenings in the near future!”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Management Group elaborated further, saying, “This partnership seemed destined to happen. Laura Hess Hay Jamal and I share the same ethos, values and passion for what we do and for the artists we represent. We have complimentary skills and geographic breadth. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working together and independently came to the view that we should formalise the relationship. We have some very exciting plans ahead and firmly believe that the combined forces of our two businesses will continue to make a significant difference to our artists.”

For further information, please contact:

Mike Wilpizeski (mikew@chartroommedia.com) at Chart Room Media, 718 459 2117 (USA)

 Ellora Management:                           info@elloramanagement.com

Ubuntu Management Group:              info@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

Websites

https://www.elloramanagement.com/

http://www.ubuntumanagementgroup.com/

http://www.weareubuntumusic.com/

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The New York All-Stars Score Again!

The Jazz Rag’s Peter Vacher writes, “quality tenor toughness.”

★★★★★ New York All-Stars Are Out of This World ★★★★★

BBC Music bestows the coveted Five (5) Star Review on Ubuntu Music’s ‘Live Encounter’!

REVIEW: New York All-Stars 'Live Encounter'

All About Jazz’s Chris May writes, “Tough, emotionally-rich jazz with no-fuss head arrangements, extrovert horn solos and a propulsive rhythm section.”

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

New York All-Stars Hit LA!

LA Jazz Scene magazine gives live album a rave review!

REVIEW: New York All-Stars / Live Encounter

SJM’s Eddie Myer writes, “A delight for fans of the blowing session and a vibrant document of the kind of impromptu but inspired session that’s the essence of jazz. “

The Times Sees Stars for The New York All-Stars!

Chris Pearson writes, “this is your safe space if you want to swing.”

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

REVIEW: New York All-stars Hit Another One Out of The Park!

Eddie Myer writes, “A delight for fans of the blowing session and a vibrant document of the kind of impromptu but inspired session that’s the essence of jazz.”

New York All-Stars Earn Great Review in USA's Downbeat Magazine

Downbeat’s Suzanne Lorge writes, “It was a straight-ahead gig of the highest order—hard-swinging grooves, shuffle-driven blues, impassioned horn solos and an exhilarating Hammond.”

Ubuntu Music Signs The New York All-Stars for Second Release

★ Eric Alexander ★ Seamus Blake ★ Mike Le Donne ★

New York All-Stars / Live Encounter

UBU0030 / CD & Digital Formats

Release Date: 8th November 2019

Left to Right: Mike Le Donne, Eric Alexander, Aldo Zunino, Seamus Blake, Bernd Reiter, Erik Söderlind

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the re-signing of The New York All-Stars (NYAS), featuring tenor sax monster Eric Alexander, along with the exceptional Seamus Blake (tenor sax) and the incomparable Mike Le Donne (piano/organ). The live album, recorded in London, will be released in November.

 Although these world class musicians have a deep, mutual respect for each other, they had never played together. A series of unique circumstances made this possible and the result is breath-taking.

 The New York All-Stars play energetic and swinging music at the highest level, presented with the utmost professionalism and uninhibited enthusiasm, which has given them the title of “Jazz at its Best”.

 The Financial Times jazz critic, Mike Hobart, having seen one of the shows, wrote, “Both tenor players follow form precisely, articulate closely, and play to the limits of exceptionally fluent techniques.”

Dave Gelly, The Sunday Guardian/Observer jazz critic, wrote, “For sheer intensity and overflowing invention, both individually and together, they’re in a class of their own.”

Eric Alexander

Eric Alexander is one of the most important soloists of the current modern straight-ahead jazz world. His accolades are many and he has appeared on over 75 albums--as leader, collaborator and sideman--with big names like Steve Davis, Jim Rotondi, Vincent Herring, Pat Martino, Jimmy Cobb, Cedar Walton and McCoy Tyner.

Seamus Blake

Joining the line-up is saxophonist and composer Seamus Blake, who is recognized as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz. His music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations and ‘sheer swagger’. Seamus has performed with exceptional artists, including John Scofield, Antonio Sanchez, John Escreet, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Cheek, David Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin. Seamus has also appeared on more than 75 albums.

Mike LeDonne

Pianist/Hammond organist Mike LeDonne has played with many of the greats in jazz, including Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie and many others. He has performed with Eric Alexander for years and appeared on more than 120 albums.

Aldo Zunino, Bernd Reiter, Erik Söderlind

Rounding out this one-of-a-kind line-up is Erik Söderlind (guitar), Aldo Zunino (bass) and Bernd Reiter (drums). In 2015 Erik received The Guitar People Prize Sweden, an award given to the best guitar player in the country. Aldo’s virtuosity, warm sound and impeccable beat makes him one of most sought-after jazz bassists. And Bernd is the go-to drummer in Europe’s straight-ahead jazz scene.

Eric Alexander explains the background to the project: “This recording project was particularly special to me as it afforded the opportunity to share the bandstand with Seamus Blake, a saxophonist of the highest calibre for whom I have the utmost respect.  Although we haven't had the chance to work together much in the past, this not only made it possible for us to hit together, but also documented the music and captured the joy we had competing with one another out of mutual admiration.  In addition, the rest of the ensemble-Mike, Bernd, Aldo, and Erik--was absolutely top shelf! Martin Hummel and his label Ubuntu Music deserve tremendous credit for having the foresight to see this project through and for trusting the musicians to put together a program that is engaging and in the tradition of the great live jazz recordings that fans so adore.  Mr. Hummel and Ubuntu are going to be a powerful force in the record business for years to come.”  

Eric Alexander and very special surprise guest Ian Shaw

Seamus Blake continues: “It was a great and pleasant surprise to be invited by Eric Alexander to play and record live with him at Pizza Express. I have been a fan of Eric for many years. It was also a pleasure to work with Martin at Ubuntu Music. He helped us make a great recording.”

And Mike LeDonne concludes: “The combination of Eric Alexander and Seamus Blake playing in a two-tenor front line is perfect because it fits the classic “sax battle” format while at the same time bringing it forward with their unique and complimentary styles. I truly enjoyed every minute of participating in, and contributing to, the music captured on this recording. It was a pleasure getting to meet and work with Martin Hummel on this project because he is not only committed to putting out great music, but he also truly respects the musicians he’s working with and is humble enough to allow them to be included on the sound and production of the recording.  When this kind of synergy takes place the quality of the performances is allowed to reach the highest level.”

Eric Alexander and Seamus Blake

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, had the last word: “In 2018, we released the first live recording of the New York All-Stars, featuring Eric Alexander and Harold Mabern. And one of my significant ambitions for the Label came true. When Eric and I began planning for the next project the following year, Harold’s health precluded his joining us and we needed to come up with something magical. Seamus was living in Paris and Mike just so happened to be available for the tour dates, so we were there. The ultimate magic of this live recording is that these three guys had never played together, although they knew each other and had great respect for each other. Without even a single rehearsal, they got up on the first night, literally blew the roof off the place and got progressively tighter over each of the three nights. The last night was the night of the finest music, which is captured on the upcoming album. Eric’s long-time friend, Ian Shaw, interviewed Eric that day and, with a nod and a grin, Eric invited Ian to guest on the last night. Ian graciously accepted the invitation and they performed Lionel Richie’s ‘Still’, to an adoring audience and which will appear on the album. ‘Live Encounter’ captures the unadulterated improvisation, the unabashed raw energy and terrifying excitement of three main international superstars who challenged each other with each and every note, pushed each other to the absolute max. They sailed so high with the unwavering support of their brilliant band that, by the end of the night, you had to scrape the musicians off the ceiling and pry the audience out of their seats. And ultimately, isn’t that what jazz is all about?”

Bernd Reiter, Aldo Zunino, Erik Söderlind, Seamus Blake, Martin Hummel, Eric Alexander, Mike LeDonne