The multi-reedist releases his new album Gemini on 12 January 2024 on Ubuntu Music with a live launch at The Vortex on 24 January.
For the full article, please click on the image, above.
Ubuntu Music to Release Saxophonist Rob Cope’s Next Album
Rob Cope / Gemini
Release Date: 12th January 2024
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0160
Rob Cope (Photographer: Gary Abbott)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the release of multi-talented composer/saxophonist and podcaster/filmmaker Rob Cope, for the release of Gemini, his second album on Ubuntu Music.
Gemini, derived from Greek mythology as meaning ‘two’ or ‘twins’, brings together two coexisting duos, and musicians who have inspired Rob greatly over the years. This project is a personal reflection of what musical collaboration means to him. For this release, Rob is joined by his great friend and saxophone teacher, Andy Scott, whose playing, compositional creativity, and freedom of expression through both contemporary and improvised music Rob has always admired. The outstanding improvising duo of Liam Noble and Paul Clarvis adds a dimension that celebrates true spontaneity, energy and colour.
Rob describes the music of Gemini: “This music is a self-reflection and collaboration with my great friend and teacher, Andy Scott. Each of my compositions represents a lesson - be it in life or in music - and all the wisdom passed along the way. For me, music should be fun to play but also challenging, and I wanted to combine my love of difficult, contemporary saxophone music with improvisation, and hopefully contribute to the repertoire in a unique way. Liam and Paul are musicians I grew up listening to, so to record with them is the fruition of years of planning and dreaming.”
Paul Clarvis, Andy Scott, Liam Noble, Rob Cope. (Photographer: Chris Cruz)
Rob continues, describing his ongoing relationship with Ubuntu Music: “Releasing ‘Gemini’ on Ubuntu is the perfect next step in my journey with the Label. Having released my debut album, ‘Gods of Apollo’ as well, Ubuntu is home to all of my music. The diversity of the Label is something I identify with and I’m proud to be associated with. Wanting to continue my collaboration with Ubuntu comes from a deep and long-standing appreciation for Martin Hummel, whose energy and enthusiasm - along with his support - made working together on this album a real joy.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Rob is a uniquely talented individual, who seems equally comfortable composing, arranging, performing, podcasting or even film directing. ‘Gemini’ is the obvious next step in his mission, which began with ‘Gods of Apollo’. This latest adventure consists of a group of musicians who are leaders in their own right and whom Rob has admired for some time. The music reflects what Rob is all about – as an artist and as a human being – as he takes us on his journey. We’re over the moon (pun intended) to have Rob continue to grow with the Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Rob Cope (Artist): roblcope@gmail.com
Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emmasarahperry@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
BIOGRAPHY
Gemini is a new band, featuring Rob Cope (soprano saxophone and bass clarinet), Andy Scott (tenor saxophone), Liam Noble (piano) and Paul Clarvis (drums). Andy, Liam and Paul have been performing together for over 30 years and this new band brings them back together with composer Cope at the helm. Gemini’, their first recording as a band, explores Rob's passion for challenging and fun improvised music. Due to perform at jazz venues across the UK in 2024, Gemini will bring a unique combination of impressive technical agility with the freedom of improvisation and genuine musical interaction.
Hi-Fi News & Record Review take a trip with Rob Cope!
Steve harris writes about the unique project, called ‘Gods of Apollo’.
Sandy Brown Jazz Flies with Rob Cpoe's 'Gods of Apollo'
Howard Lawes writes, “Gods of Apollo will indeed be a giant leap but where would jazz music be otherwise?”
Cope Flies Into Jazzwise Magazine
‘Gods of Apollo’ earns solid review and is selected by BBC Radio 3 as a top release.
Cope'a Gods of Apollo Lands Another Great Review
Jazz Views’ Eddie Myer writes, “This is a bold and unusual venture.”
For the full review, please click on the image, above.
REVIEW: Rob Cope's 'Gods of Apollo' Lands Four Stars!
All About Jazz’s Roger Farbey writes, “However you cut it, this is challenging and compelling music, for sure.”
For the full review, please click on the image, above.
Ubuntu Music Signs Rob Cope
Rob Cope / Gods of Apollo
UBU0020 / CD & Digital Formats
Release Date: 5th July 2019
Rob Cope
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of multi-talented composer/saxophonist as well as podcaster/filmmaker Rob Cope, to release his debut album, Gods of Apollo.
You don’t often come across a concept for an album that’s as unique as this. Rob has amassed a stellar quartet and recorded the first of ultimately what is to be a three-part trilogy, inspired by space. The debut is a tribute to the race to land the first man on the moon, bringing us with him in this breath-taking journey.
The Apollo 11 moon landing, July 1969.
The album uses archival NASA audio and travels from the first man made satellites in 1957 through to the final moon landing in 1972. It was recorded at Crown Lane Studios in Morden by John Merriman.
Left to Right: Jon Ormston, Elliot Galvin, Rob Luft.
Rob explains, “Gods of Apollo is like a film soundtrack, set to the original archival audio of the race to the moon. The album features the exceptional talent of Elliot Galvin, Rob Luft and Jon Ormston. I aimed to capture this excitement and add a new level of artistry to the voices of the astronauts.”
Rob continues, “I am delighted to sign with Ubuntu Music. I couldn’t have hoped for a better home for Gods of Apollo.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, commented, “Rob is a unique individual. He has a long-term vision in terms of where he wants to take his music. And he simultaneously pursues other projects with an equal passion, whether it’s podcast interviews on Apple Music and Spotify with other talented artists or capturing the wonderful yet tragic life of Richard Turner on film. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the Ubuntu Family.”
'Richard Turner: A Life in Music' Documentary
Richard Turner, a talented young jazz trumpet player who tragically left this world at an early age. Richard's life has been documented in a touching short film by Rob Cope, a London-based saxophonist/composer/educator, who who interviewed friends and family concerning this gifted artist.
To watch the trailer for the movie, please click on the image, above.
Hummel is Invited to Tea with Ian Maude's Sandy Brown Jazz to Discuss Everything Jazz!
An interview that looks at Hummel's business, the state of the industry and the future!
Martin Hummel, Director, Ubuntu Management Group & Ubuntu Music.
For the full interview, please click on the image, above.