Ubuntu Music to Release Pianist Joe Webb’s Latest Project

Joe Webb / Summer Chill

24th June 2022

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0115

Joe Webb (photographer: Nicholas Andrews)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the gifted pianist, Joe Webb, for the release of his next project, Summer Chill, on 24th June 2022.

Joe is highly regarded and leading force on the U.K jazz scene today. He grew up in Wales before moving to London in 2013, where he has been active ever since. 

Joe regularly performs around Europe and has played in venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Duc des Lombards, The Royal Albert Hall, Dizzy’s Jazz Club in New York City and the CCB in Lisbon.

Along with his trio and Webb City, he can be heard with the acclaimed Kansas Smitty’s, Hailey Tuck, Adrian Cox and Rob Luft, as well as working with Jamie Cullum and many other artists.

Jamie Cullum and Joe Webb (self-portrait)

“There are few people more joyous to listen to at the piano than Joe Webb”

--Jamie Cullum

For Joe’s newest release, Summer Chill, he has assembled some of his favourite musicians: some he has played with for many years and others who he has recently met. The band features, guitarist Alex Haines, bassist Will Sach, drummer Jas Kayser, percussionist João Caetano and guesting saxophonist Fraser Smith. 

Left to right: Fraser Smith, Joe Webb, Will Sach, Jas Keyser, Alex Haines, João Caetano (Photographer: João Caetano)

Joe describes the project: "The idea behind the project was to create a soundtrack to a pool party in the 1960s. I spent some time watching films throughout the recent lockdowns which were inspired by this era."

The album is mostly arrangements/interpretations from the 1950s-60s with songs from Elvis Presley, LaVern Baker, Georgie Fame, Mel Tormé, Erroll Garner, Freddie Green, Cannonball Adderley and The Clovers, as well as two original compositions by Joe. 

“Joe is a great young pianist…go check him out!”

--Jason Rebello

Left to right: Alex Haines, Will Sach, Jas Keyser (partly hidden), Joe Webb (Photographer: Will Sach)

Joe explains further: “Even though it was difficult to write music during the past two years, I felt it was important to document this period in some way, especially with the musicians I had spent the most time with during this period”. 

This is the third album that Joe will be releasing on Ubuntu Music: "I am really happy to be releasing this music with the ever-growing Ubuntu Music Family. It’s lovely to have this album associated with many great friends and musicians."

Joe Webb

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his perspective: “It’s a pleasure to have Joe back with his third release on the label. He never ceases to entertain and reward his audiences with music that is readily embraced. ‘Summer Chill’ continues in this vein and will certainly delight all who listen. We’re proud to extend this valued relationship.”

For further information, please contact:

Joe Webb (Artist):                                                       joewebbmusic5@gmail.com

Emma perry (UK Publicity)                                        emmasarahperry@gmail.com

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

Ubuntu Music to Release Pianist Jacky Naylor’s Latest Project

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