Ubuntu Music Announces The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize

Brubeck Living Legacy, Inc, in partnership with Ubuntu Music, and The Royal Academy of Music, is delighted to announce the creation of The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize, which will be awarded to the most deserving jazz student of The Royal Academy of Music in London, UK, each year, for an initial three-year period. Their album will be released on the Ubuntu Music record label.

In 2019, the Dave Brubeck family founded Brubeck Living Legacy with the goal of promoting awareness, interest and the understanding of jazz and its role in American and international culture.  Brubeck Living Legacy supports educational opportunities and live concerts that recognize the contributions of Dave and Iola Brubeck, and others, to modern American music, the civil rights movement and to the community of musicians worldwide.

The Brubeck Living Legacy Prize will be awarded each year to a young musician who demonstrates excellence in both performance and composition, selected from the jazz musician student body at the Royal Academy of Music in their final two years of study, as well as those in the first year following graduation. The prize includes funding and support  for the release of the individual’s proposed recording on the Ubuntu Music record label. Eligible musicians would submit an online application for consideration, which would then be reviewed by a panel of industry-related judges. For the first year, the judges will include composer/arranger/pianist and President of Brubeck Living Legacy Darius Brubeck, Royal Academy of Music Professor & Head of Jazz Programmes Nick Smart, jazz vocalist, recording artist and co-founder of ECN Music Claire Martin (OBE), and founder/director of Ubuntu Music, Martin Hummel.

On behalf of Brubeck Living Legacy, Darius Brubeck shares his view: “Brubeck Living Legacy promotes awareness, interest and the understanding of jazz and its role in American and international culture. It builds on Dave and Iola Brubeck’s lifelong dedication to music, creativity, and the promotion of social justice through performance, education, and outreach.

“As president of Brubeck Living Legacy, I can say that we are committed to supporting this imaginative initiative by Ubuntu Music and the Royal Academy of Music. Brubeck Living Legacy is already involved in high-level education creatively and financially in America and this is our first partnership based in a foreign country. As a long-time UK resident, I am excited to see this taking shape before my eyes and will do my part in making it a success.”

Royal Academy of Music’s Nick Smart continues: “We are delighted to be part of this important partnership alongside Ubuntu Music and with the endorsement and support of the Brubeck Living Legacy. The jazz community that exists at the Royal Academy has a long history of nurturing outstanding young artists who go on to lead successful lives in every corner of the musical profession. This new prize will give a high-profile platform to the next generation of deserving musicians and bandleaders with something to say on the contemporary scene. It is an honour to be part of an initiative that is a continuation of Dave and Iola Brubeck’s lifelong dedication to music, creativity and the promotion of social justice through performance, education and outreach.”

ECN’s Claire Martin gives her perspective: “What a fantastic initiative and one that I am very honoured to be part of.  I’m excited to hear the next generation of musicians coming through and it is this kind of platform that can really provide the perfect launch pad for up-and-coming musicians as they embark on their career in the music industry.”

Ubuntu Music’s Martin Hummel offers his parting thoughts: “When we started the Ubuntu Music record label, we were 100% committed to delivering a platform that would allow our artists to share their music all over the world, in with best-of-breed distribution technology thanks to our partners, The Orchard (Sony Music). We see ourselves as enablers, managing the multi-tiered logistics of a worldwide album release, while guiding the artists through an often-intimidating journey. We do everything we can to ensure a successful release, while the artist concentrates on their number one priority – their music and the development of their career as professional musicians.”

For further information, please contact:

Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emma@ecnmusic.com

Catherine Brubeck (Brubeck Living Legacy Information): catherinebrubeck@gmail.com

Nick Smart (Royal Academy of Music): n.smart@ram.ac.uk

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

BIOGRAPHIES 

Darius Brubeck

Darius Brubeck (Photographer: Rob Blackham)

Pianist, composer and band leader, Darius Brubeck was the Head of Jazz Studies and Director of the Centre for Jazz & Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa from 1983 until 2006 when he moved to London and established The Darius Brubeck Quartet. This group’s most recent recording Live in Poland (listed in Downbeat’s best of 2020) reflects their international profile.

His book, Playing the Changes, coauthored with his wife, Catherine, will be published internationally in July 2024 by the University of Illinois Press.  

Link: www.dariusbrubeck.com

Nick Smart

Nick Smart

Head of Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart is an internationally renowned jazz educator, trumpeter and conductor who has given guest masterclasses and performances around the world. Nick has performed alongside some of the leading names in jazz and was a member of the late Kenny Wheeler's Big Band with whom he had a long association and has just finished co-writing Wheeler's biography. He has released three albums as a leader to critical acclaim, including 2005’s Remembering Nick Drake which was described by Straight No Chaser magazine as “…a future classic because it really captures all that is best about British jazz….”. He has been equally in demand as both educator and musical director.

Link: www.ram.ac.uk

Claire Martin

Claire Martin (Photographer: Kenny McCracken)

Claire Martin OBE has established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene and rest of world, gaining many prestigious awards including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career which spans over three decades. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to Songwriting and was awarded the OBE for her Services to Jazz in 2011.

Claire shares her perspective on the Brubeck Living Legacy Prize: “What a fantastic initiative and one that I am very honoured to be part of.  I’m excited to hear the next generation of musicians coming through and it is this kind of platform that can really provide the perfect launch pad for up-and-coming musicians as they embark on their career in the music industry.”

Link: https://clairemartinjazz.co.uk/

Martin Hummel

Martin Hummel (Photographer: Peak15)

Martin Hummel is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in managing communications for brands on a global, regional and local basis across multiple disciplines and business sectors. He has led a range of communications agencies as Chief Executive, as well as founding and directing start-up businesses that include consulting, talent management and recorded music.

Music has been an integral part of Martin’s entire life. Since his early days as a musician, Martin staged concerts as a teenager (featuring Elton John), worked in various music clubs and was a DJ/Music Director in US professional radio. For 17 years, he was responsible for Pepsi-Cola’s international communications, where he worked with the likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, The Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Robbie Williams and Pink, amongst many others. In 2017, he founded Ubuntu Music, the independent jazz record label whose artists include Darius Brubeck, Chet Baker, Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern, Paul Booth, Tim Garland and rising stars from all corners of the world.

]Link: www.weareubuntumusic.com

Ubuntu Music Signs Pianist Richard Fairhurst for Album Release

Richard Fairhurst / Inside Out

Release Date: 14th June 2024

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0161

Richard Fairhurst (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of pianist/composer Richard Fairhurst, for the release of his upcoming album, Inside Out.

Richard describes his upcoming project: “This latest release with my longstanding trio with Dave Whitford on bass and Tim Giles on drums has been in the making for some time now. The album is the culmination of how the music and the trio have evolved together. I’ve always been drawn to the sonic blend and warmth of the acoustic piano trio and the many possibilities for exploration it creates. This project showcases a collection of my original compositions that delve into diverse musical landscapes alongside two covers by the great composer Carla Bley, who is a favourite composer of mine. The concept behind this record was to bring together my own compositional style and explore the world of free improvisation that I have become increasingly drawn to. There are structured composed pieces with intricate harmonies, melodies and rhythmic complexities, with each track reflecting unique facets of my musical journey - ‘Inside Out’ represents where I stand creatively as a pianist and composer to date.”

Richard Fairhurst (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Richard continues, describing the nature of the music: “The wide tapestry of sounds on ‘Inside Out’ reflects many of my musical influences as a pianist. I’ve always strived to find my own voice when it comes to composition and improvisation, and this comes into focus with the music recorded here. The album features my original compositions and two arrangements of tunes penned by the legendary Carla Bley. The album blends intricate melodies, evocative harmonies and energetic grooves alongside pieces where space becomes the sonic focus. When we play as a trio there is always a sense of exploration and freedom within the music and this feeling is what makes this band, and this record a special one for me.”

Richard comments on his new relationship with the Ubuntu Music record label: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Ubuntu Music for my new release ‘Inside Out’. Joining a label that has a commitment to diverse and groundbreaking music is an exciting new chapter in my musical journey. Ubuntu’s passion for promoting innovative sounds aligns with my own creative vision and I look forward to working with a label that promises to be a platform for my future artistic growth.”

Richard Fairhurst (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “We’re so pleased to be representing “Inside Out’, Richard’s latest project. His compositional prowess and his performance are exceptional and are sure to please a wide variety of jazz listeners. We very much look forward to bringing this exceptional trio music to the broadest audience possible. We welcome Richard into the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Richard Fairhurst (Artist): rpfairhurst@mac.com

Emma Perry/UK Publicity: emmasarahperry@gmail.com

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

RICHARD FAIRHURST BIOGRAPHY

Steinway artist Richard Fairhurst is one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists & composers. He released his first album to critical acclaim when just 19 and has worked with many of the top names in jazz today.

Richard released three albums as leader of the band ‘The Hungry Ants’ which also featured renowned saxophonist Iain Ballamy. He won the Pat Smythe award for young musicians of outstanding talent and received a scholarship to study jazz and improvised music at the New School University in New York where he studied with Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch and Reggie Workman.

He has been a Steinway Artist since 1998, had a residency at Ronnie Scotts at the age of 20 and reached the final of the Montreux Jazz Festival’s Solo Piano Competition.

Since this early success he has gone on to perform throughout the UK and at Jazz Festivals worldwide including Jerusalem, Copenhagen, Cologne, Vienna, Glasgow, Cheltenham Jazz festival, Bath festival and Senegal where he supported Joe Zawinul.

He has made numerous appearances on radio including BBC’s Jazz On 3, In Tune, Jazz Line-Up and Loose Ends and was selected as one of two artists representing the future of British jazz for a BBC documentary about jazz in the UK.

Richard was commissioned to write new music for the Cheltenham International Jazz Festival which won the BBC Jazz Award for Best New Work. This music for sextet was released on his fourth album as leader ‘Standing Tall’.

As an educator and someone who believes strongly in passing on his skills and teaching young musicians to play Jazz Richard has taught at the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of music in London. He also curated his own jazz course for young musicians, which was commissioned by the Richard Attenborough Centre and ran across selected schools around the UK.

Richard made three highly acclaimed duet albums with Berlin based trumpet player Tom Arthurs, ‘Mesmer’, ‘Postcards From Pushkin’ and ‘One Year’. The duo went from strength to strength with a BBC commission for the ‘City of London Festival’ and a performance at the BBC Proms. They also performed at Ronnie Scotts for BBC Jazz on 3‘s live radio broadcast celebrating Jazz in Britain.

He then went on to release a trio record,‘Triptych’ with Danish bass player Jasper Hoiby and New York drummer Chris Vatalaro.

Richard also worked with the great pianist John Taylor in a two-piano duet. They performed at the ‘Steinway 2 Pianos Festival’ several times and John invited Richard to perform with him at his 70th birthday concert broadcast live from the BBC on Radio 3’s ‘Jazz Line-up’. They released their debut album ‘Duets’ on Basho Records.

Most recently Richard has been consistently writing and performing with his trio featuring Dave Whitford on Bass and Tim Giles on Drums, their new album ‘Inside Out’ is due for release on Ubuntu Music in June this year.

PRESS QUOTES

‘One of the UK’s most inventive pianists’ - The Guardian

‘Richard Fairhurst has a rabid imagination’ - Time Out

‘Award-winning pianist Fairhurst is a powerful keyboard virtuoso capable of both meditation and funkiness, but he is as sophisticated a composer as he is a player’ - The Guardian

‘Fairhurst’s piano playing is always luminous and lyrical’ - The Times

‘Fairhurst plays with great understanding, and has a hint of Bill Evans in his ability to play with intensity in a free, loose form’ - Mojo Magazine

‘Fairhurst shows great ingenuity and the interplay between himself and the band is always invigorating’ - Daily Telegraph

‘The technical standard is enviably high, and Fairhurst’s music expresses its own identity. Fairhurst slots neatly into the lineage of Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea’ - BBC Music

‘An impressive display of inventiveness and musicality. This is a virtuoso line-up’ - All About Jazz

‘This trio is right up there with the best of them, Fairhurst is a fiercely individual and very British talent’ - The Jazzmann

‘A welcome and distinctive addition to the crowded piano-trio scene’ Jazzwise

‘An individual prescence on the UK jazz scene. Piano trios are plentiful at the moment, but Fairhurst and co. Succeed in finding their own absorbing niche’ - The List

Richard Fairhurst (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Ubuntu Music Signs London-South African Collaboration, Equal Spirits, For Album Release

Equal Spirits / Wise and Waiting

Release Date: 26th April 2024

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0157

Equal Spirits / Sumo Sound Recording Studio / Johannesburg, South Africa. Back left to right: Amaeshi Ikechi, Siphiwe Shiburi, Lungelo Mntambo, Sonny Johns, Yonela Mnana, Raph Clarkson. Front: Nosihe Zulu. Just behind Nosihe: Tshepo Mothwa (Photographer: Nosihe Zulu)

Ubuntu Music, in collaboration with ECN Music, is delighted to announce the signing of Equal Spirits, for the release of Wise and Waiting, an extraordinary project led by composer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist Raph Clarkson, which features musicians from London and South Africa.

Equal Spirits brings together a genre-defying mix of South African spiritual jazz, ambient improvised introspection, bursts of old-school hip-hop and electronica, soaring melodies, synths, samples and gospel-infused grooves, woven together with sung and spoken languages from Zulu, Sotho, Yoruba and Xhosa to Arabic and English.

Leader/Composer/Arranger Raph Clarkson (Photographer: Jake Walker)

Raph explains: “Equal Spirits was born due to my love of playing South African jazz, experiencing this wonderful contribution to the U.K. scene by exiled South African musicians from the 1950s onwards as I grew up in London. I got the opportunity to travel to South Africa in 2017 to develop my playing and knowledge of this music, and as part of this I wrote a set of music with which I intended to celebrate the connection between and contribution of South African musicians to U.K. jazz and improvised music. This led to the recording of ‘Wise and Waiting’ in 2020 - with an added dimension being my conviction that the new and current generations of South African musicians still of course have so much to offer us and the world, and I am delighted that this album provides a platform for their magnificent and joyful voices and artistry.”

Raph continues, describing the music: “The music of ‘Wise and Waiting’ is enormously varied - plenty is written by me with crucial and beautiful songwriting, spoken word and lyric contributions from Nosihe Zulu and NoZaka. There is also music by bassist Amaeshi Ikechi and a number of tracks that were born out of improvisations in the studio, which were then developed into fully formed compositions under the wise and delicate hand of producer Sonny Johns. Stylistically we move from traditional South African jazz styles, from Mbaqanga to more modern gospel-infused grooves and songs, from Fela Kuti inspired brass to sample-heavy drum and bass feels to English church inspired choral meditations and chants. There are 24 musicians featured across the album and each lends a distinctive creative touch to the patchwork, multi-genre listening experience.”

Left to right: Amaeshi Ikechi, Raph Clarkson, Yonela Mnana, Nosihe Zulu. (Photographer: Nosihe Zulu)

Raph elaborates on his newly formed relationship with Ubuntu Music: “It is a real thrill and very special to find like-minded creative people who love music and love to support musicians and artists in these kinds of endeavours. I am delighted to be working on this release with Martin and his fantastic team at Ubuntu – Ubuntu, which is the Zulu word for one-ness, for unity, for humanity, sometimes translated as “I am because we are” – a perfect home for this ensemble of Equal Spirits, celebrating the voices of South Africa.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his perspective: “This project is a perfect match for Raph and for Ubuntu Music. South African culture runs deep in both of us. I recently spent three years living and working in the country, absorbing the fascinating array eclectic musical strands, which are indigenous to the people and their way of life. Raph has seamlessly brought together musicians from London and from SA to create a unique and compelling blend of spiritual jazz, for all to savour. It’s a pleasure to welcome Raph and his musical partners as new members of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Raph Clarkson (Artist):  raphaelclarkson@gmail.com

Emma Perry/UK Publicity:  emma@ecnmusic.com

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

Artist: Tehlai X (Botswana)

EQUAL SPIRITS

The Equal Spirits project has its beginnings in Raph Clarkson’s love of South African Township Jazz. With the huge legacy gifted to UK Jazz by South African exiled musicians from the 1960s onwards, British/London jazz of the 2000s and 2010s naturally supported music making inspired by South Africa and South African musicians. Raph found himself playing the music of the SA jazz greats in a variety of ensembles, before developing a connection with SA harmonica and piano player Adam Glasser.

Raph’s interest developed to a point where he wanted to delve deeper, and with the support of funding from Help Musicians UK, developed a project with Adam’s help that led to him touring South Africa in 2018 with three different sets of musicians in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and for which he wrote a set of original material. Such was the success of this trip, that Raph asked Sonny Johns to produce a recording on a return trip in 2020.

The core rhythm section/ensemble was drawn from the 2018 Johannesburg band, with Nosihe Zulu an audience member for the 2018 Durban gig, who then took on one of the tracks - ‘Skip’ - and wrote her own melody and Zulu lyrics in 2018-19. This led to Raph inviting her to be part of the core 2020 recording.

When it came to the 2020 recording project, there were three essential creative-process threads:

-    fully formed compositions (from 2018) by Raph that gave space for improvisation and creative contributions from the core musicians

-    compositions (from 2018) that became Equal collaborations alongside Nosihe and NoZaka, with the vocalists often contributing melodies and lyrics to Raph’s (and Amaeshi Ikechi’s) instrumental sketches

-    completely democratic group improvisations, that were later edited into structures by Sonny and Raph, and added to with arrangements for and by UK and SA musicians

The 2020 Johannesburg recording took place at Peter Auret’s famed Sumo Studio - and it became just the first step in an organic process of continued editing, mixing, arrangement, further recording and layering, rearrangement, re- editing, re-mixing, etc, over the next year and a half. A series of UK musicians added their creative and instrumental voices to the record, as did core SA band musicians, with Sonny shaping the process towards the album’s final iteration.

UK contributions ranged from a string quartet, an SATB four piece ‘choir’, to sampling/processing by Elliot Galvin, three different percussionists, synths/church organ/Hammond organ, and a horn section including Mark Lockheart and Chris Batchelor (who was part of Chris Macgregor’s Brotherhood of Breath and has toured South Africa with Tete Mbambisa).

At its heart, the Equal Spirits ensemble and Wise and Waiting are creative endeavours that seek to celebrate our shared humanity, our connectedness, and the precious equality of our deepest artistic expressions.

Ubuntu Music to Release The Jazzanians Historical South African Recording

The Jazzanians / We Have Waited Too Long

Release Date: 12th April 2024

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0153

Left to right: Mark Kilian (occasional dep for Melvin Peters), Victor Masondo, Melvin Peters, Johnny Mekoa, Andrew Eagle, Darius Brubeck. Sitting: Lulu Gontsana, Zim Ngqawana. (Photographer: Ted Brien)

Ubuntu Music is honoured to release the restored and remastered recording of The Jazzanians, a multi-racial jazz ensemble from 1988 in Apartheid South Africa. We Have Waited Too Long was spearheaded by Darius and Catherine Brubeck. An international edition of their book, Playing the Changes - about their years in South Africa and currently available in that country - and a documentary film, Playing the Changes: Tracking Darius Brubeck, describe a significant passage in South African history (1983 - 2006), and the transformative effect of jazz. These will be released worldwide in 2024.

Darius explains the story behind the project: “The Jazzanians were a unique band of exceptionally talented South African students, some of whom were already professional musicians. I launched the first university degree in Jazz at the University of Natal in 1984 and in 1988, the Jazzanians were the first multi-racial student jazz ensemble from South Africa to tour outside the country. They were a huge hit and appeared on national NBC and CBS television in the USA. Following this success, it seemed natural that the band should record, and ‘We Have Waited Too Long’ was the result.  Re-releasing it in 2024 honours those Jazzanians no longer with us (Johnny Mekoa, Zim Ngqawana and Lulu Gontsana) and raises the South African Jazz flag. The recording is a jubilant expression of the creative interaction apartheid tried to stifle.  The band, their tours and the recording were special projects organized by my wife, Catherine. Compositions by band members represent the quintessential sound of South African Jazz which is totally infectious.”

Crowded Rainbow Bar Sunday Session, where The Jazzanians often performed (Photographer: Unknown)

Darius continues, sharing his views of the music from We Have Waited Too Long: “Given the style and era of this 1988 recording and leader Johnny Mekoa’s superb trumpet playing, listeners will be reminded of Paul Simon’s Graceland and their favorite songs from Hugh Masekela’s massive discography. Alto sax and flute, played by the now legendary Zim Ngqawana, tenor and soprano saxes played by Nic Paton plus Andrew Eagle on guitar complete the front line, a historic formation arranged like a little big band. Melvin Peters (long a top-rated pianist in SA), takes star turns on electric keyboard as well as taking care of the harmonies. Lulu Gontsana on drums lays down danceable ‘Township’ grooves and Victor Masondo’s fretless electric bass supports the band from the bottom up, contributing bad ass, witty fills. Rooted in local African tradition, short melodic phrases are repeated over layers of exciting interlocking parts, while solos reflect the influence of American jazz. Even the two softer pieces (‘We Have Waited Too Long’ and ‘Peace Meal’) combine all these dynamic elements.  ‘Bayete’ sets the overall tone and pace with a couple of South African guitar licks that unleash the energy of the whole band as if they had indeed ‘waited too long’.  Once they get started, there’s no stopping. The title of the final track, ‘Se Hamba Nabo’ (we go together) implies both an ending of an era and a new beginning. Such was the excitement of South Africa at the end of the ‘80s and this album captures what is great about South African jazz.”

Concerning the Brubecks’ partnership with Ubuntu Music, Darius elaborates: “Ubuntu Music is a great enabler, and we couldn’t have released this unique, historic recording without their ongoing direction and partnership.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, provides his perspective: “We have had the privilege of working with the Brubecks on their catalogue of Darius Brubeck Quartet recordings as well as their latest release, ‘Live in Poland’. Our relationship has grown from strength to strength. When they advised us of the ‘We Have Waited Too Long’ project, I personally became fascinated and deeply interested in preserving the integrity of this historical recording. As someone who lived in South Africa, this had a special place in my life and in my soul. Peter Beckmann, Mastering Engineer of TechnologyWorks, managed to take old and somewhat decayed recorded material and restored the music to its original glory. We are so grateful to have been a part of this journey and know with confidence that the music will now live on forever. The Jazzanians are a part of our Family and will be a permanent fixture of our Ubuntu African spirit.”

For further information, please contact:

Catherine Brubeck:  catherinebrubeck@gmail.com

Emma Perry (UK Publicity):  emmasarahperry@gmail.com

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

The Jazzanians (left to right: Rick van Heerden, Nic Paton, Zim Nqawana, Johnny Mekoa) performing with Dave Brubeck (Photographer: Unknown)

Websites

https://dariusbrubeck.com/

https://www.weareubuntumusic.com/

https://www.ubuntumanagementgroup.com/

Promo of the documentary film by Michiel Ten Kleij, Director

We have Waited Too Long: Excerpt from Album Liner Notes

This recording is a joyful expression of the creative interaction apartheid tried to stifle. The band, a special project dreamed up by my wife, Catherine, and under my direction, had a short lifespan because students come and go. Subsequently similar university groups organised at the Centre went out to the US and the rest of the world, but the Jazzanian break-through made all this possible.

– Darius Brubeck

The Jazzanians / We Have Waited Too Long / 2024 Album Cover

Ubuntu Music Signs Composer/Saxophonist Tim Garland for Spectacular Album Release

Tim Garland / Moment Of Departure

Release Date: 3rd May 2024

Double CD, Digital & Double Vinyl Formats / UBU0155

Tim Garland (Photographer: Stefan Booth)

Ubuntu Music, in collaboration with ECN Music, is delighted to announce the signing of composer/arranger/musician Tim Garland, for the release of Moment of Departure, an extraordinary project.

This is the most ambitious project of Tim's stellar career, with a celebration of Lighthouse Trio's 20th Anniversary (Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis), along with a stunning display of Tim's prowess as a composer and arranger with the Britten Sinfonia, featuring violinist Thomas Gould, along with trumpet ace Yazz Ahmed performing as a special guest on one track.

Writer/musician/broadcaster/jazz historian Alyn Shipton wrote the compelling liner notes for the album, capturing the essence of this masterpiece.

Lighthouse Trio: Gwilym Simcock, Asaf Sirkis, Tim Garland

Tim, in his own words, describes the project: “That Moment of Departure, from the known, the notated, towards something new is a shout of fearless freedom. The compositions on this album all have crucial and varied relationships with improvised music, from string orchestra to intimate trio, and completely free-form music. Classical influences and visual art have informed me, as much as my jazz heart. The series of paintings called Sail To Hope, by Esra Kizir Gokcen, provide a backbone of inspiration for the first disc’s music. The subject of journeying into the unknown, as well as the influence of Turkish rhythms, create the background atmosphere whilst maintaining the spaciousness and freedom for the jazz soloists.”

Tim continues, describing in detail the music contained within each of the two parts of this release:

PART ONE: “‘Winds Of Hope’, ‘Trails’, ‘No Horizon and ‘The Impossible Self’ show the trio in full flight - with the string orchestra guesting on the opening track which has an almost fanfare-like quality. The others are more searching, reaching an eccentric and virtuosic climax on track four - a kind of searching for the impossible!

“Continuing along, ‘Sub Vita’ invites Yazz Ahmed, whose beautiful flugelhorn sound depicts life under our oceans here.

“Moment Of Departure, the title track, is a composition built around recorded spontaneous improvisations, scored for string orchestra, the normal order of ‘improvising over a composition’ is reversed, the orchestral score is composed around the improvs, with a climax joining the material together with angular driving rhythms.

“The final sparse ‘Moment Of Arrival’ is an open ended coda, featuring the haunting bass clarinet.”

Thomas Gould, Tim Garland (Photographer: Laura Bodo)

PART TWO: “This features violinist Thomas Gould joining The Lighthouse Trio firstly in an interpretation of Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’. ‘Approaching Winter’ also features the string section of the Britten Sinfonia and demands all four soloists to depart from the written page into freewheeling expressivity and jazz improvisation, whilst the composition honours all of Vivaldi’s themes, deriving the “opened up” sections, from them.

“’The Forever Seed’ was written two years earlier. I had wanted to write a concerto for Thomas for a long time and, enjoying his ability to loosen himself from the written page, created improvised interludes between the movements. I do not play on this but conducted the orchestra, which includes a cimbalom. This instrument acts rather like glue, playing in the improvised sections along with Simcock and Gould, as well as the string orchestra. The music here is a nostalgic dedication to the pastoral classical music I heard in the family home as a child.”

Tim Garland (Photographer: Stefan Booth)

Concerning his new relationship with the Ubuntu Music record label, Tim elaborates: “I am delighted to be partnering with Ubuntu on this, my most ambitious release to date: ‘Moment Of Departure’ has allowed me to exercise my passion as composer and inhabit the hybrid worlds within the musical genres I love so much. I thank Martin (Hummel) and the Ubuntu team for having faith in this double release!”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Tim always has been and remains one of my absolute favourite artists, as a composer, arranger and as a multi-instrumentalist. When the opportunity surfaced to represent what is arguably the most ambitious undertaking of his illustrious career, it was a dream come true, for the label and for me. ‘Moment Of Departure’ is a mesmerizing musical journey of two halves: the 20th anniversary of the Lighthouse Trio, and an extension of this by showcasing Tim’s compositional and arrangement skills to also include the Britten Sinfonia orchestra, featuring the exceptional talent of violinist Thomas Gould. The artwork for the project was created by the gifted painter, Esra Kizir Gokcen, depicting the plight into the unknown. The music refuses to be categorized. Is it Jazz? Classical? ‘Jazzical’? ‘Clazz’? Frankly, it really doesn’t matter. Its effect will draw listeners from various musical persuasions to celebrate a strikingly exceptional cacophony of genres to please the head, the heart and the soul. We are absolutely delighted to have Tim join the Ubuntu Music Family. May this be the start of many more to come on our journey together.”

The Lighthouse Trio, in a rehearsal session for Trails. The finished version appears on the album.

For further information, please contact:

Tim Garland (Artist): timgarland@me.com

Emma Perry/UK Publicity:  emma@ecnmusic.com

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

Tim Garland (Photographer: Stefan Booth)

BIOGRAPHY

Throughout an international career starting in the late 1980’s, Tim Garland has become known as a unique polymath in the UK’s music scene.

His first break as saxophonist was joining Ronnie Scott's band age 23. Later he was to join Chick Corea as a regular member of several globe-trotting projects over a seventeen year period including The Vigil. Playing tenor and soprano saxes, bass clarinet, and flute, he also won a Grammy for his symphonic orchestrations on Corea’s The New Crystal Silence album from 2007.

Garland has fulfilled commissions from several of the world’s top orchestras, including  a double concerto from the LSO, a piano concerto for Gwilym Simcock from The Royal Northern Sinfonia, with whom he went on to record three albums, a cello and sax concerto from the CBSO, and a sax concerto from the BBC Concert Orchestra.

His concert works continue to celebrate the fertile ground between modern composition and jazz. His creative arranging skills have won much praise from such diverse artists as Jean Luc Ponty, John Patitucci, The Royal Holloway and Westminster Choirs, the Catalan National Cobla Group, the LPO, the London Session Orchestra, NYJO as well as Chick Corea.

His work is often inspired by, but not limited to, the jazz idiom, whilst his celebrated virtuosity as a saxophonist maintains his position as one of the UK’s most unique and authentic jazz voices.

In 2016 he premiered Re:Focus (a re-imagining of the Getz /Sauter project of 1962 ‘Focus’) to a full house at London’s Wigmore Hall, which in 2020 has been released for public purchase. Luca’s Winter, a 100-minute work for big band, was performed at Manchester’s Royal Northern College Of Music (where he held an international post as research fellow).

As a band leader and co-leader, he is responsible for much of the output of the groups; Lammas, The Underground Orchestra, Storms / Nocturnes (feat. Joe Locke and Geoffrey Keezer), Acoustic Triangle, the last few years of Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, the duet with Jason Rebello and The Lighthouse Trio, (featuring Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis). This final group makes a 20th anniversary come-back tour and release during 2024!

Ubuntu Music Signs Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis for Album Release

Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis / Feels Like Home

Release Date: 19th April 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0154

Paul Edis and Vasilis Xenopoulos (Goat Noise Photography)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos and pianist Paul Edis for the release of their quartet album, Feels Like Home.

Vasilis and Paul began playing together 20 years ago when both relocated to West London to study. Originally from Greece, Vasilis had just finished studying at Berklee College in the US, while Paul had moved South from the Northeast of England. In the intervening years, they’ve played numerous gigs together, releasing their debut album in 2016, A Narrow Escape, to critical acclaim. With Joel Barford (drums) and Adam King (double bass), their latest recording features original music inspired by the theme of ‘home’…home in this sense represents not only the many places they’ve both lived, but also the people they’ve known along the way.  

Paul Edis and Vasilis Xenopoulos (Goat Noise Photography)

Vasilis and Paul describe the music on Feels Like Home: “Rooted in the jazz tradition, this is music that's eclectic, groove based and fundamentally melodic. Including elements of hard bop, Latin jazz, gospel and even folk, there are nods to Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine, John Coltrane, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, McCoy Tyner and more besides. This is honest music full of emotions, inspired and unified around the central theme of ‘home’.”

Concerning their new relationship with Ubuntu Music, they continue: “It’s been a real pleasure working with Martin Hummel and the Ubuntu team towards the release of our new album, ‘Feels Like Home’.  We’ve felt really supported as artists in developing this project, and we’re both very excited for the official release of the new album in April 2024.”

Vasilis Xenopoulos and Paul Edis (Goat Noise Photography)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: I’ve been aware of Vas and Paul’s talent for some time. And Vas has appeared on several Ubuntu releases. To have these two together, as a dynamic musical force, is a special situation. This album will appeal to a broad range of jazz fans who appreciate the real stuff. It’s great to have them as the latest members of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Vasilis Xenopoulos (Artist):  vasilisxenopoulosjazz@gmail.com

Paul Edis (Artist):  pauledis@gmail.com

Matt Fripp/Jazzfuel (Europe):  matt@jazzfuel.com

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

BIOGRAPHIES

Photographer: George Vlachos

Vasilis Xenopoulos

Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz musicians of his generation and a genuine representative of straight-ahead jazz. London became his permanent home after graduating with honours from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and gradually established himself as one of London’s up-and-coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians of the international jazz scene as a band leader, a section leader and as a guest soloist on various projects.

In 2009 he formed The Xtet and their debut album, Loud City, containing eight original compositions, was released in 2011. Two years later he released his second album, The Wind Machine, which gained some fine reviews in the top British media such as The Times and BBC radio 3.

In 2017 Nigel Price and Xenopoulos created the XPQ (Xenopoulos/Price Quartet) and recorded their first album under that brand, Sidekicks, which celebrates some of the most successful guitar/sax pairings in the history of jazz.  

His album, Dexterity, was released in September 2019.

Vasilis’ very latest venture is with one of UK’s leading contemporary bop ensembles, Five-Way Split, where he is a co-leader and composer. Their latest album, All the Way, was released in March 2023 on the Ubuntu Music record label.

The Guardian newspaper praised Vasilis recently for being one of the leading examples of European jazz musicians who live and perform in Britain and bringing his continental element to the jazz scene. Further to that, he has permanent collaborations with artists from Greece and Cyprus where he performs as a leader or guest artist on a regular basis. As a result, he is permanently active in three different scenes/markets (British, Greek and Cypriot).

Vasilis’ charismatic performances reveal his truly fabulous style, while his energy and passion interact with his audience. With his great talent, love and respect, he cherishes the instrument’s challenges and pushes it beyond.

Vasilis’ credits also include seminars on Jazz Saxophone and Improvisation.

Vasilis is an endorsing artist of JodyJazz Inc. USA and Rigotti Reeds S.A France.

“One of the most fiery young saxophonists around blazes a path through the hard bop repertoire"

- The Times ★★★★

“A tremendous asset to the UK jazz scene"

- London Jazz News

"Old-school warmth and modern-day dynamism"

- Jazzwise Magazine

Photographer: Elizabeth Ridley

Paul Edis

Paul Edis is one of the leading creative musicians in the UK today. As a performer, composer and educator, he has built a reputation for consistently delivering new and original ideas, seeking to innovate within his work while always paying respect to both the jazz and classical music traditions. In whatever genre or musical context he inhabits, Paul is passionate about melody and expression. 

He has released several critically acclaimed recordings of new music in recent years, regularly receives commissions from a wide variety of organisations, and is known for his communication skills and breadth of knowledge, working as an educator for organisations including Sage Gateshead, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and National Youth Jazz Collective. 

As well as leading his own sextet, trio and performing solo engagements, Paul works regularly with vocalist Jo Harrop. Their album, When Winter Turns To Spring, won Best Album at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2023.

Paul has collaborated with saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos for 20 years, and he has performed alongside other leading jazz names including Jon Faddis, Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Nigel Price, Jim Mullen, Tim Garland, Julian Siegel, Tony Kofi, Steve Waterman, Iain Ballamy and Mark Nightingale. His music has been played on the radio in the UK, US and in Europe.

“A major voice in British Jazz…Edis is an incredibly fertile composer and improviser”

- Jazz Journal

“A pianist who has compositional flair”

- Jazzwise Magazine

“One of the leading lights of contemporary jazz”

- London Jazz News

Feels Like Home Album Cover

Ubuntu Music Signs Guitarist Tom Ollendorff for Solo EP Release

Tom Ollendorff / Solo Volume 1

Release Date: 29th March 2024

Digital Format / UBU0168

Tom Ollendorff (Photographer: John Kye)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of guitarist Tom Ollendorff, for the release of Solo Volume 1, his first album on Ubuntu Music.

Tom explains: “This EP was recorded on the afternoon of August 30th 2023 in St John’s Notting Hill in London. I have for some time wanted to record some solo guitar music and the inspiring surroundings and wonderful acoustics of the church helped me to relax and get into a suitable mindset for the recording. The natural resonance of the space meant that we could use a blend of the acoustic sound of my wonderful Moffa guitar with a clean amplifier tone, and the natural reverb in the church did the rest of the heavy lifting.”

Tom Ollendorff (Photographer: Dave Hamblett)

Tom continues: “Like with all my previous albums to date, I had the pleasure of working with the great Alex Kilpatrick, whose skill at capturing, mixing and mastering sound is second to none.

I would also like to thank cinematographer John Kye, for filming the whole recording so beautifully.”

Tom Ollendorff recording at St John’s Notting Hill, London (Photographer: John Kye)

Tom shares a parting comment on Ubuntu Music: “Thank you to Martin Hummel at Ubuntu Music for his enthusiasm and encouragement with this project.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “It was a wonderful surprise and absolute delight that Tom wanted to release his first solo album on Ubuntu Music. The project and the music fit so comfortably within our repertoire, while listeners will be seduced by Tom’s delicate touch. It’s a truly beautiful project.”

For further information, please contact:

Tom Ollendorff (Artist):  tomollendorffmusic@gmail.com

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

Tom Ollendorff (Photographer: Dave Hamblett)

BIOGRAPHY

Born in London in 1992, Tom Ollendorff is fast becoming one of the best-known young guitarists to emerge on the international jazz scene. A graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff, he was awarded the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship in 2015 before moving to London in 2016 to begin a career as professional musician.

In 2021 his debut album A Song For You was released on Fresh Sound Records and received international acclaim with The Guardian describing it as ‘traditional but very classy, Música Jazz saying it is a ‘highly recommended album for those who care about the fate of jazz guitar’ and both BBC Music Magazine and Jazz Journal awarding it 4 star reviews.

The album’s release launched an international touring career that has seen Tom perform at many of Europe’s best known Jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, Sunset-Sunside, Jamboree, Jimmy Glass, Jazz-Hus Montmartre, Nardis, Budapest Jazz Club, Jazz in Bess, Jazz Club Ferrara and countless others as well as performances at notable venues and festivals including Glastonbury Festival, The Cedars Hall, London Jazz Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival and the One Day Jazz Festival in Slovakia.

His latest album Open House was released in May 2023 and sees a continuation of his work with his trio with long-term trio featuring Marc Michel on drums and Conor Chaplin on bass, with the addition of the critically acclaimed saxophonist Ben Wendel on four tracks. The recent release has received global recognition and has seen Tom continue to build his international reputation and following.

Alongside his work as a bandleader, Tom has been fortunate to work extensively as a sideman with a wide range of artists including Ari Hoenig, Bill McHenry, Geoff Simkins, Huw Warren, Tim Garland, Nitai Hershkovits and The Fresh Sound Ensemble

Tom is known for his highly distinctive sound which blends virtuosic technique, sophisticated harmonic concepts with nuance and sensitivity. His innovative and distinctive approach to the guitar has led to Tom building a following in the broader guitar community and in 2022 he published his first works for solo guitar with Faber Music. The book, titled ‘Etudes’ has been sold across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and North America.

Tom is currently a visiting tutor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and has been a guest tutor at many top institutions internationally including The Guildhall, Nanjing University, Istanbul Bachesir University and Leeds College of Music.

Ubuntu Music Signs Trumpet Player Dan Coulthurst for Debut Album Release

Dan Coulthurst / Babyteeth

Release Date: 5th April 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0163

Dan Coulthurst (Photographer: Gareth Howell)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of trumpet player Dan Coulthurst, for the release of Babyteeth, his debut album on Ubuntu Music.

Dan describes the project and the idea behind it: “I came up with the name Babyteeth by thinking about how our physical bodies naturally change over time. Whereas typically, we tend to neglect the need for our mindsets to change. Often, we hold on to things from the past that predetermine our present day. Baby teeth are essential when you are a child. You are smaller so they fit perfectly in your mouth, and you have no need to cut through solid foods that your body is unable to digest. However, as your body physically changes, you outgrow the need for smaller weaker teeth, as they would simply break when attempting to eat more robust food. This cycle of intense pain would result in the body not being able to get the nourishment that it needs to survive. The same goes for our mental well-being. By engaging in a lifestyle that dulls your perceptions of your surroundings and by ignoring the opportunity for discovery and growth, you deprive your mind of the goodness that it needs to live a fulfilling life. The situations will change but the cycle of pain will continue. Instead, by surrounding yourself with people that challenge the way you see the world, by prioritising the things that fill you with joy and give your life meaning and by being connected to others whilst allowing yourself to be open to new ideas, I’ve found that this the path to giving your soul the nourishment that it craves. As I have grown older, I feel incredibly excited by the prospect of a new challenging situation as I know that it is an opportunity to grow and to learn new things about myself and the world. This album is about the difficult and beautiful journey of letting go of the past and embracing the uncertainty that comes with the future.”

Left to right: Matt Jacobs, Alasdair Pennington, Fergus Quill, Dan Coulthurst, James Romaine, Rianna Henriques, Lydia Kotseria (Photographer: Sophie Jouvenar)

Dan continues, sharing his perspective of the music: “I find that I write my best music when I allow myself to be inspired by the beauty of consuming art in its varying forms, from Pablo Neruda’s ‘Ode to a beautiful nude’, to Jean Michel Basquiat’s ‘Untitled’ to Vaslav Nijinsky’s choreography for ‘Rite of Spring’. During the start of my creative process for ‘Babyteeth’, I wanted to create a sound world that have the colours of a Debussy suite combined with the raw punk aesthetic of Nirvana. Yet it was writing poetry that galvanised my need to create this body of work. All the music has been inspired by poems that I have written or by poets that I chose to immerse myself in. The album opens by starting down a dark path of dissolution with ‘Babyteeth’ and ‘What we were, now we are not’. I then chose to switch up the band and change ensemble instruments with each piece, allowing the mood of the album to shift dramatically before gradually getting lighter towards a euphoric and content conclusion with ‘Home’ and the final piece ‘Love Will Return’. In ‘Home’, I reference a number of songs from the record, aiming to create a rounded conclusion to the narrative of the album. By using poetry and lyrics in these last two pieces, I wanted to have one final push at stating the message of the album and the meaning of what it is that I’m trying to covey. It is my hope that you enjoy listening to this music as much as I enjoyed making it.”

Dan Coulthurst (Unknown Photographer)

Dan describes his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “It is an absolute honour to be a part of the Ubuntu Family. I have been huge fan of many artists on their roster for a number of years and to now be a part of the community and involved in their creative practices is incredibly exciting and a dream come true.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was first introduced to Dan by Steve Fishwick, a phenomenal British trumpet player who obviously knows his stuff. Steve mentored Dan, rated him highly and asked if I’d be interested in meeting him. I believe you call this ‘an offer you cannot refuse.’ Soon after connecting with Dan and hearing early versions of his project, I was convinced…Dan should join our Ubuntu Music Family. And I’m so very glad he did. This is a deep, powerful debut release and we expect that it will strike a responsive chord to all who listen.”

For further information, please contact:

Dan Coulthurst (Artist):  dcoulthurst9@gmail.com

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

Dan Coulthurst (Photographer: Sophie Jouvenar)

DAN COULTHURST BIOGRAPHY

Birmingham raised trumpet player and composer Dan Coulthurst is one of the young rising stars of the British music scene. Born into a musical family, Dan quickly found his passion for the subject and wasted no time in getting involved in the thriving Birmingham music scene.

Since graduating from Leeds College of Music in 2018, Dan has performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Jean Toussaint, Hermeto Pascal and Nikki Iles. Now based in London, some gig highlights include performing with the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Simon Spillet Big Band, China Moses, Blue Lab Beats and TC and the Groove Family. Dan has also released two EPs as part of nu-soul band Mamilah.

Babyteeth is Dan’s debut album and explores themes of love, racism, anxiety and self-acceptance.

The album will be released on the Ubuntu Music record label from 5th April 2024.

Video of the Day: Rob Cope shares ‘Across’ from new album Gemini

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 Signs Pianist/Composer/Arranger Simon Lasky for Album Release

Simon Lasky Group / For the Dreamers

Release Date: 22nd March 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0158

Simon Lasky (Photographer: Jayne Drooger)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of pianist/composer/arranger Simon Lasky, for the release of For the Dreamers on Ubuntu Music. The release date is 22nd March 2024.

Simon’s latest project features his recently formed U.S. Jazz Octet with three front line horns and vocals. There are special guest appearances by leading U.K. jazz artists, including Tim Garland and Paul Booth and, for the first time, Simon’s arrangements appear alongside his original compositions.

Simon explains his thinking behind For the Dreamers: “I think that, deep down, I always knew (hoped!) that I would spend some time in America one day; form a band there; do some concerts; and record an album. My only surprise is that it took me until my mid-forties to do it! I wanted to harness my love for many genres of American music, utilise local American musicians and compose music for that particularly confident way they have of playing. This is the resulting album!

“However, most of the compositions and arrangements on this record were penned during a very challenging time: I had some major health problems (which resulted in double jaw surgery), I lost my father, and - like so many of my colleagues during the global pandemic - there were times I doubted how, when and where we would make music again. Yet, throughout that time, music was there as a companion, a comfort, and a source of hope. When I was composing the music on this record, I was transported away from those challenging daily realities. Composing helps me dream! So, despite the challenging circumstances of its inception, the music on this record is unfailingly optimistic. It explores notions of heroism, flight, fancy and dreaming. And it's the 'American' record I always dreamed I would make!”

Simon Lasky (Photographer: Jayne Drooger)

Regarding the music itself, Simon shares his perspective: “The music on this album represents many firsts for me, in my recording career so far: It’s the first music I've released since winning the 2018 British Composer Award (now Ivors Composer Awards) in the Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble category for 'Close to Ecstasy'. It's the first time I have recorded and released some of my arrangements, which appear alongside my own compositions. It's the first time I've recorded with a full horn section. And it's the first time I've recorded with vocals. The album is based around my core rhythm section of some of the finest players from the Tampa Bay jazz scene (Elias Tona - bass/Peter Mongaya - guitar/Jonathan Thomas - drums). They have a punchy and strident way of playing, and I have written with those strengths in mind. I wanted to feature horn players from both sides of the pond and, on ‘Closer to The Sky’, I have fulfilled a 25-year-old ambition of recording with a childhood hero and one of my favourite musicians (saxophonist, Tim Garland).

“I am particularly attracted to the idea of making a relatively small ensemble (the Octet on this record) sound as big and symphonic as possible. Weather Report and the Pat Metheny Group come to mind as obvious models for that 'epic' sound from small forces. And, as is always the case, my charts are through-composed, driven by a strong compositional narrative and I hope to take the listener on a journey. Maybe they can dream too!”

Left to right: Simon Lasky, Peter Mongaya, Ona K, Jonathan Thomas, Jack Wilkins, James Suggs, Elias Tona, Aaron West (Photographer: Jayne Drooger)

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Simon elaborates: “I have known Martin (Hummel) for a number of years and I know how highly my friends and colleagues in the jazz world regard him. Martin is on the side of the musician. And in the current, increasingly complex, musical landscape - which is daunting and bewildering to many independent artists - having Ubuntu Music in your corner, fighting for and with you, is immensely valuable. I am thrilled that my new album is with Ubuntu and I am excited about developing this relationship moving forward.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Simon is an artist of multiple strengths – composing, arranging and performing as a pianist – who also seems equally at ease on both sides of the pond – the US and his native UK. We were excited with the opportunity to partner with Simon with his latest project, ‘For the Dreamers’, which highlights Simon’s development as an evolving artist, while venturing into new territory. It’s a celebration of the good things in life and we are delighted that Simon brings this to the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Simon Lasky (Artist):  simon_lasky@yahoo.co.uk

Lisa Reedy/Lisa Reedy Promotions (USA):  lisareedy0@gmail.com

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

SIMON LASKY BIOGRAPHY

Simon Lasky (Photographer: Jayne Drooger)

British composer/pianist, Simon Lasky, is known on both sides of the Atlantic for his expansive and melodic jazz compositions and arrangements which draw on his background as an improvising pianist and classically trained composer. Born in London, but now living in Central Florida, Simon’s composition ‘Close To Ecstasy’ won the 2018 Ivors Composer Award in the ‘Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble’ category. Upon receiving the award, BBC Radio 3 presenter Andrew McGregor described the winning composition as “a joyous exuberant piece, brilliantly crafted on all levels, and with great textural and melodic writing.” In 2019 Simon was awarded a Fellowship to complete his Masters in Jazz Studies at The University of South Florida, working as assistant to five time GRAMMY nominated jazz composer Chuck Owen.

“Lasky’s music is atmospheric, melodic, airy, thoughtful and often influenced by the Pat Metheny Group without being too derivative.”

--Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene

“There are certainly plenty of moments, in ‘About the Moment’ that take your breath away.”

—Rob Mallows, London Jazz News

As a recording artist, Simon signed with independent British jazz label – ‘33Jazz’ Records – in 2015, releasing two albums of his own compositions under the Simon Lasky Group banner. His music has been broadcast extensively on BBC Radio and JazzFM in the U.K and on NPR and the CBC in North America, and his compositions for the concert platform have been performed in London’s Barbican Hall, South Bank Centre and St John’s Smith Square. Simon’s arrangement of ‘Over The Rainbow’ for string quartet was performed by The Afiara Quartet in London’s Wigmore Hall in 2015, and subsequently in 15 countries across the globe

An in-demand member of the London jazz scene for 15 years, Simon taught jazz piano, composition, harmony and General Musicianship at Trinity College of Music (now Trinity Laban) in London from 2005-2018. He was Head of Jazz at Bradfield College during the same period. He currently lives in Tampa, FL working as a pianist and band leader on the Central FL jazz scene and as an NPR jazz host 3 nights a week on WUSF 89.7FM.

Following awards to partake in the Winter Residency Programme at The Banff Centre in Canada in 2013 and 2014, Simon developed his unique ‘It’s All Music’ educational concept which he has presented to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in Canada and throughout the U.K.

During the 2020 lockdown Simon developed his ‘At Home With’ interview series, presenting in-depth conversations with some of the world’s leading jazz artists, including Vince Mendoza, John McLaughlin, Bob James, Joe Locke, Billy Childs and others. The interviews are all available on YouTube.

In 2023, Simon signed with Ubuntu Music, the London-based progressive jazz record label, for the release of For the Dreamers, his latest project.

“Uplifting improvisational grooves, classy chops, and exotic percussions, there’s no shortage of beautifully striking moments.…”

—All About Jazz (‘About the Moment’ album review)