Ubuntu Music Extends its Dave O’Higgins Relationship with Monkin’ Around Trio Release

Monkin’ Around / 4 in 1

Release Date: 4th October 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0179

Luke Fowler, Dave O’Higgins, Billy Pod (Photographer: Dave O’Higgins)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the continuation of its relationship with saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, with Monkin’ Around, a new trio project to be released 4th October on Ubuntu Music.

Monkin’ Around is, at its heart, a trio of drums, bass and sax from all around the globe. Luke Fowler (from Australia) on bass, Billy Pod (from Greece) on drums, and Dave O’Higgins (of English-Irish-Mexican extraction) on sax. It was born at the Troubadour in London’s Earls Court. Dave had completed a tour in 2019 with guitarist Rob Luft where they played all 70-odd compositions by Thelonious Monk. Not wanting this hard work to go to waste, it was suggested that the trio adopt this repertoire. As Dave explains, “With no chordal instrument, it was an interesting challenge that demanded some degree of re-interpretation. The trio is purpose-made for small, intimate acoustic venues. But what if a club has a Steinway piano? Well, it seemed a shame to eschew this option completely, so the virtuosic Canadian pianist, Sean Fyfe, was added as a guest star on five tunes. Conversely, adding a second horn with no piano also seemed a fine idea for special occasions, and this is where Martin Shaw, my longtime frontline collaborator, came in for four tracks. So, we therefore have 1) a trio, 2) a quartet with piano, 3) a quartet with trumpet, and - why the hell not - 4) a quintet with everyone. Thus, we present ‘4 in 1’. We hope the audience will have as much fun listening to our interpretations of these great (and some rarely played) Monk tunes as we did in creating them.”

Luke Fowler, Dave O’Higgins, Billy Pod (Photographer: Dave O’Higgins)

The tracks for 4 in 1 were recorded over two separate sessions in the JVG studio tradition - everyone in the same room, no headphones, just like they play on a gig. This is very “old school” and doesn’t allow for things like clinical separation or repairs but, on a good day, it’s often much more intuitive and enjoyable for the musicians.

Dave shares his thoughts on the continuing relationship with Ubuntu Music: “This is a new band Ubuntu, but I’ve appeared on a number of releases to date, and it was on my high recommendation that the band followed suit. We’re thrilled to add this project to the roster and see where it takes us. Martin Hummel and the Ubuntu team are a serious force of good in the world music scene.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “It’s both a privilege and a pleasure to work with Dave and to represent his multi-dimensional musical talent. The first phase of our relationship started with Dave and guitarist Rob Luft, and the project, ‘O’Higgins & Luft Play Monk & Trane’. This was a very successful venture. In some ways, ‘4 in 1’ takes this to a new and interesting place, only with a twist in the tail which Dave is so well known for. With scintillating performances from Luke Fowler and Billy Pod, this is an excellent, flexible, layered offering with something in it for all jazz fans. We are happy to be a part of it.”

For further information, please contact:

Dave O’Higgins (Artist): ohig@mac.com

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

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

Ubuntu Music Signs Saxophonist Asha Parkinson for Album Release

Asha Parkinson / Possession

Release Date: 20th September 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0181

Asha Parkinson (Photographer: Richard Kaby)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of UK sax player, Asha Parkinson, for the release of Possession, her upcoming album on Ubuntu Music.

In 2017, Asha founded Kalpadruma, a 14-piece mini studio orchestra bringing together jazz quintet, string quartet, woodwind, voice and the distinctive sound of the qanun alongside her own inspired sax playing. This brought together her voice as both a composer and performer, while exploring meeting points between Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Contemporary Classical and Jazz musics. "Kalpadruma" itself means "tree of life" in Indian-origin religions which Asha considers to be a perfect metaphor for her creative process.  To date, the group has performed at a number of high-profile venues such as the London Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Union Chapel and have collaborated with the likes of the South Asian Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians.

Onwards, the group’s debut album, was launched at London’s Spice of Life in June 2022. Writing for Jazz in Europe, Isabel Marquez described it as “a musical tapestry”. The unorthodox 14-piece line-up goes with the group’s unusual sonic identity. Meanwhile, the core quintet (guitar, piano, bass, drums & saxophone) works with influences creatively, in a less fully notated way than the 14-piece offering.

Asha Parkinson (centre) and Kalpadruma at Ronnie Scott’s, 2023 (Photographer: Jeremy White)

Possession, Asha’s vibrant, genre-busting second album, is a filmic global jazz exploration of contrasting expressions of possession, featuring tracks that combine the intensity of a symphony with the concision of a pop single. Stylistically blurring the boundaries between Jazz, Contemporary Classical, Flamenco, Mediterranean and Arab musics to find its own unique, deeply resonant voice, subjects range from obsessive love to urban trance to mystical inspiration to devotion and beyond, drawing on lyrical motifs from traditional fairy tales to Tolstoy, Huxley, Rumi and the Lord’s Prayer in the original Aramaic.  The powerfully melodic, rhythmically sophisticated, sometimes groove-based material is accentuated by the compelling timbral variety of Asha’s Kalpadruma ensemble.

Asha comments on her new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “Creating an album is a very involved process for emerging artists beyond just the music side of things these days. It’s so exciting to be being supported by the Ubuntu team, and Martin's faith and genuine enthusiasm for the music is refreshing. Being released on the same label as artists of the likes of Tim Garland and Darius Brubeck feels like a milestone!”

Asha Parkinson (Photographer: Richard Kaby)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “There’s no one quite like Asha, who has an unwavering passion for everything she touches but, most of all, her relentless dedication to the music itself. From the eclectic shape of the ensemble to the meticulous composition of each individual piece, the attention to detail is exceedingly unique and, as a result, delivers an experience which is very much all her own. We welcome Asha with open arms to the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Asha Parkinson (Artist): raji90@live.co.uk

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

Jazzfuel (Europe Publicity): matt@jazzfuel.com

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

ASHA PARKINSON & BAND BIOGRAPHY:

Asha founded Kalpadruma in 2017 to explore exciting meeting points between Jazz, Contemporary Classical, Flamenco, Mediterranean, Arab and Indian musics. The full 14-piece mini studio orchestra featured in their Ronnie Scott's main show in November 2022. Smaller flexible formats from sextet, quintet, quartet and trio and even qanun and saxophone duo have featured under the Kalpadruma banner at venues from The Vortex, Union Chapel, Crazy Coqs, Iklecktic to Jazz Seven Leeds and the EFG London Jazz Festival whilst Asha has also appeared with string players from the ensemble featuring her own cross-genre work at various classical venues.

Ubuntu Music Signs New York City Based Israeli Drummer Maya Cohen for Live Album Release

Maya Cohen / Live at Ornithology

Release Date: 6th September 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0175

Maya Cohen (Photographer: Efraim Cohen)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of New York City based Israeli drummer, Maya Cohen, for the release of Live at Ornithology, her upcoming album on Ubuntu Music.

Live at Ornithology is Maya's third album and her first live album. In September 2023, at the Ornithology Jazz Club in Brooklyn NY on a rainy day, Maya's group recorded a live show of her original music, featuring the talented musicians consisting of Jonathan Reisin on saxophone, Simon Wilson on bass, Noah Franche-Nolan on piano and Maya on drums, vocals and compositions.

Maya pulled together some of her favourite musicians for her Quartet. Noah is a Canadian pianist, improviser, composer, and arranger based in Vancouver, BC. Simon is a Chilean-born, New York City-based bassist, composer, and improviser. He worked with established musicians such as Dave Douglas, Ethan Iverson, and Jason Palmer, among many others. Jonathan Reisin is an NYC-based musician, saxophonist, composer, and improviser, born in Israel. He worked with established musicians such as Francisco Mela, Kris Davis, and Cooper-Moore, among many others.

Jonathan Reisin, Noah Franche-Nolan, Maya Cohen, Simon Wilson.

After a year in NYC, this marks one of Maya’s international collaborations with musicians from around the world, fulfilling one of her goals upon choosing to move to New York City for her master's program at the College of Performing Arts. She graduated form the MM Performer-Composer program with a merit scholarship at The New School. It was during this program that she met Jonathan and Noah, marking the beginning of their collaboration together.

The show was recorded by Jimmy Katz, mixed and mastered by the renowned Dave Darlington, with the cover illustration by Dror Cohen, an illustrator for numerous international magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and more. The quality of the musicians, the sound, and the visuals allowed the band to reach its highest level.

Maya Cohen (Photographer: Ori Efroni)

Live at Ornithology captures the authentic and the exciting energy of the performance between the musicians and the audience. Being recorded in one take means that the music is presented as it is, without multiple takes or heavy editing, giving it a more authentic and fresh sound. The combination of written parts with solos and improvised sections makes the music more spontaneous, surprising and adds freedom to the music.

Maya describes the music from the album: “The music is a blend of emotions and colors, featuring wordless vocals with unique rhythms, grooves, and sounds crafted on the drums. The compositions are inspired by nature, life in NYC, advocating for women's empowerment, a longing for peace, and the joy of creating beautiful landscapes and stories through music. ‘Live at Ornithology’ features five compositions, arranged for a quartet or trio. The music includes written parts with solos and improvised sections, allowing the players the freedom to express themselves and add their stories to the music. With roots in jazz and experimental music, the compositions blend complex grooves and harmonies with simple melodies, creating a sound that is both fascinating and deeply resonant.”

Jonathan Reisin, Noah Franche-Nolan, Simon Wilson, Maya Cohen (Photographer: Ori Efroni)

Maya shares her thoughts concerning her new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I am delighted to be partnering with Ubuntu on my new album, ‘Live at Ornithology’, which holds a special place in my heart and in my musical journey. I’m grateful for this partnering, as it allows my music to reach as many people as possible to hear my new album. Being with Ubuntu, a prestigious label, allows my music to reach a wider audience and, as a result, I have more time to focus on writing new music and performing. I thank Martin Hummel and the Ubuntu team for having faith in this album release!”

Maya Cohen (Photographer: Video Image)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Once I heard Maya’s music and had discussions about her career and where she would like to go, it became obvious that we could be an excellent fit with Maya and her ambitions. She is an exceedingly talented individual. It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Maya into the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Maya Cohen (Artist): maya1294@gmail.com

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

MAYA COHEN BIOGRAPHY:

Maya Cohen is a drummer and composer based in Brooklyn, New York and originally from Israel. She is a graduate of the MM Performer-Composer program at the College of Performing Arts at The New School (May 2024). She has showcased her original compositions with her band on various stages in Israel, New York, and Europe, including performances at festivals such as the Queenta Women’s Jazz Festival (2022) and the Bern Jazz Festival (April 2024). As a drummer, she has collaborated with established musicians such as Fabian Almazan, Jeff Lederer, Etti Ankry, Arnon Palty, and many others, whether on tour, in performances, or in studio recordings.

Ubuntu Music Signs Bassist John Williamson for Debut Album Release

John Williamson / The Northern Sea

Release Date: 12th July 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0182

John Williamson (Photographer: Tom Sankey)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of UK bassist John Williamson, for the release of The Northern Sea, his upcoming debut album on Ubuntu Music.

This release is John’s first as composer/bandleader, drawing on an array of musical tastes and influences within and beyond his work as a jazz bassist. He aimed for stylistic freedom, holding the work together with a focused melodic instinct and a modernist, occasionally angular approach that has guided his journey in music.

Each piece developed from a small fragment, honed and reworked in duo practice sessions in corridors, large-ensemble rehearsals, and intimate jazz club gigs around the UK. The five other bandmembers comprise some of the UK’s finest improvisers and composers. Each – along with producer Nikki Iles – have played an important role in the development of the material. Together, the music expresses the tension between love for a sound, idea or place and accompanying feelings of subversion or doubt.

Nikki Iles (Photographer: Tom Sankey)

John describes the music from The Northern Sea: “The material is arranged for a variety of line-ups, from duo to full sextet, relying on the commitment and invention of the musicians to build a coherent sound.”

“Individual influences that can be traced include Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Radiohead, Charles Mingus and Carla Bley, and the music encompasses a wide range of feelings and approaches. Angular post-bop (‘Contrafact 1’) sits alongside big-sky, Americana-inspired folk (‘2700 Q Street Northwest’) and anthemic contemporary jazz (title track ‘The Northern Sea’). The album is united by a ‘melody-first’ writing style. Each piece stays true to the core melodic line, whether that melody is pushing against the boundaries of a conventional harmonic structure or working as a scaffold for something more unusual.”

Alex Hitchcock, John Williamson (Photographer: Tom Sankey)

John continues, regarding his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I am really excited to be releasing my first album with Ubuntu. Their progressive approach, knowhow, and a varied roster of artists I respect and am inspired by made it an attractive choice. I’m so grateful to Martin for being interested in the project and his support and guidance in getting my original music into the world.”

Jay Davis, Alex Wilson, Immy Churchill, Jonny Mansfield (Photographer: Tom Sankey)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “It was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise to be introduced to John and his highly intriguing, dynamic music. John has pulled together a seriously talented range of young London musicians – Alex Hitchcock (sax), Jonny Mansfield (vibes), Jay Davis (drums), and special guests Immy Churchill (vocals) and Alex Wilson (piano) – and delivered a first-rate recording with ‘The Northern Sea’, which was beautifully produced by Nikki Iles. We are absolutely thrilled to be John’s partner, welcoming John and the team to our Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

John Williamson (Artist):  jjw@fastmail.com

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

JOHN WILLIAMSON BIOGRAPHY

Raised in Saltburn-by-the-sea in northeast England, John has spent time in Leeds, Washington DC and now London, where he has played with musicians including Helena Kay, Dominic Ingham, Nigel Price, Jo Harrop, Paul Edis, Vasilis Xenopoulos, Matt Anderson, and Sam Braysher. John earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, tutored by luminaries including Kit Downes, Nikki Iles, Jim Hart, Jasper Hoiby, Tom Herbert and Orlando Le Fleming, and in 2023 received the Academy’s Scott Philbrick Prize for outstanding postgraduate jazz recital.

Website:  https://johnjosephwilliamson.com/

Ubuntu Music Signs Israeli Sax Player Maayan Sherman For Debut Album Release

Maayan Sherman / Contrast

Release Date: 30th August 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0164

Maayan Sherman (Photographer: Sagi)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of Australian based Israeli sax player Maayan Sherman, for the release of Contrast, his upcoming album on Ubuntu Music.

Maayan shares his thoughts about the project and the idea behind it: “’Contrast’ is my debut album. It's been cooking in my head for a long time. After my graduation from The Jazz Institute in Rimon (Israel), I felt ready and decided to commit to the idea. As this is my first album this was also my first run as band leader. One of the greatest joys as band leader was choosing my band members. To get the sound I wanted, I needed musicians who were trained in jazz but didn't grow up in it, and I couldn't have chosen better. We have Noam Arbel on drums, Noam Benishay on bass, Ofek Ram on keys & synths, Tal Gordon on trumpet and myself on saxophones. It took six month of experimenting and rehearsing to get the sound I wanted out of the material. On the 28th-29th April 2023 we recorded the album in Kicha Studios in Tel Aviv. Despite all the preparations, the first day of recording didn't go as planned and we left the studio that evening with only one take of one song that I liked, so when we met up for the second and last day in the studio, I was quite nervous. However, not to my surprise, we pulled it off and recorded the entire album in one day. It took me about three months to find the right mixing engineer for the album. I sent the sources to six or seven different mxing engineers until I found the right one. A lot of my writing process is done in front of recording software (DAW), so when it came to mixing I already had the sound in my head that I was looking for. When Arik Finkelberg sent me the first rough mix for ‘So’ I immediately knew we had a common language. We ended up spending three months mixing the album. The mastering process was done by Ori Verthaim and it was one of my favorite parts of this project, putting all the pieces together and finally seeing the bigger picture I imagined. I'm very grateful to all the amazing artists who took part in this project, it would have been nothing without them.”

Maayan Sherman, Asswaf Lokay (Photographer: Sagi)

Maayan continues, providing his description of the music on the album: “‘Contrast’ is a collection of compositions I wrote over the last three years. In the process of selecting and rearranging the music I found myself taking a deep look into my expression as composer and a performer. In doing so, I found my deep interest in constructive contrasts - like peanut butter and jelly - opposite ideas that bring the best out of each other. I always imagined my first album as a "concept album", where every piece is a different view on the same idea. ‘Contrast’ is not that, but in the process of rearranging the music it was important to me to create this feeling of continuation that I like so much as a listener. Most of the music I write is the music I would like to listen to. ‘So’ and ‘Purple Whale Ave.’ are great examples of that..a steady rhythm section and the horn lines cutting through it all. Some other parts of this album are pieces that describe my human experience. ‘The Big Loss’ and ‘The Small Death’ describe the end of my first big love. I feel like ‘Drift’, the last piece of this album, is the strangest one. It's very straight forward in approach compared to the other pieces but I feel it gives a sweet ending to this dark journey my album describes.”

Maayan describes his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I'm very grateful and humbled to be in good company with the great musicians in the Ubuntu roster. I couldn't have imagined a better home for this album. I'd like to thank Martin Hummel, who gave me this opportunity and believed in my weird creation from the beginning.”

Maayan Sherman (Photographer: Toraki)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was immediately attracted to Maayan as an artist, his music and the thinking behind it. Maayan initially defined this as a musical journey driven by a passion for exploring the intricate nuances of sound, often embracing the darker and more enigmatic aspects of music. He is inspired by the captivating contrasts that can be found within the realm of jazz and psychedelic music. And it is strikingly expressed through his debut album, ‘Contrast’. We are so happy to welcome Maayan and his band into the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Maayan Sherman: maayansherman22@gmail.com

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

Ubuntu Music Signs New York-Based Israeli Saxophonist Omer Leshem for Album Release

Omer Leshem / Play Space

Release Date: 27th September 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0172

Omer Leshem (Photographer: Jacky Serero)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of Israeli saxophonist Omer Leshem, for the release of his album, Play Space, which will be available worldwide from 27th September on the Ubuntu Music record label.

Play Space is Leshem’s third studio album and was recorded with his quintet. Alongside Leshem on tenor saxophone are some of New York's finest and most innovative musicians including pianist Moshe Elmakias, guitarist Nadav Remez, bassist Elam Friedlander, and drummer Ben Silashi. All members of the quintet are Israelis currently residing in New York City. Their performance demonstrates both their expertise in modern jazz playing and their passion towards their shared ethnic roots.

Left to right: Nadav Remez, Moshe Elmakias, Omer Leshem, Ben Silashi, Elam Friedlander (Photographer: Omer Berger)

Play Space features Leshem’s original music. His nine compositions reveal a mixture of warmth and nostalgia together with energetic North African grooves, a touch of free jazz, and Middle Eastern influences. The combination between Leshem’s uniquely lyrical and multicultural compositions and the band members' ecstatic playing gives Play Space a highly distinct and fresh sound.

After performing and refining their music for several years, Leshem finally decided to take the band to the studio. The album was recorded in June 2023 at the iconic Dreamland Studios, a remote church nestled within the forest just outside of Woodstock, NY. Play Space was recorded by engineer Ariel Shafir and the music was mixed and mastered by the great Dave Darlington.

Leshem, a renowned saxophonist and doctor of clinical psychology, has long been interested in the concept of “play”. In Play Space, he decided to pay an homage to the British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicot, who devoted his career to studying child play. This form of playing exists simultaneously in both reality and fantasy. The child’s imagination liberates “real” objects from the rules and limitations of physics. Leshem found striking resemblance between this sort of playing and music playing. As musicians engage in imaginative composition and improvisation, they find “real” notes to express their unrestricted musical imagination just as a child may find a mighty warship in a simple toy. Leshem’s simple and often catchy compositional style is inspired by, and aims to mimic, the freedom and innocence found in child play.

Omer Leshem (photograph: Liri Agami)

Regarding his new partnership with Ubuntu Music, Leshem elaborates: “I am excited to join the Ubuntu Music Family and collaborate with mastermind Martin Hummel and his team on this thrilling release. I am highly appreciative of Mr. Hummel’s vision and appreciation of details. This is my most ambitious musical project thus far. I have waited for a long time to gather the right musicians to perform these materials. Their outstanding music playing demonstrates incredible craftsmanship and deep understanding of my music. I am very proud of the result and delighted to share ‘Play Space’ with the world through a partnership with Ubuntu Music.”

The Omer Leshem Quintet in action at Ornithology Jazz Club, NY (Photographer: Yoav Trifman)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “It was such a pleasure to be introduced to Omer and his fascinating project. We have a number of friends in common and it was only natural that, given the quality of the recording and the exceptional standard of playing, we would agree to be partners in the release of ‘Play Space’. The music is a wonderful combination of traditional jazz meets the Middle East and North Africa, all of which is beautifully held together by Omer. We welcome him to the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Kari Gaffney/Kari-On Productions (US):  kari@karigaffney.com

Omer Leshem (Artist):  omerleshem.music@gmail.com

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

Album Cover (Cover Illustration by Yuval Haker Design by Edan Esinly)

OMER LESHEM BIOGRAPHY

Based in Brooklyn, New York for the past decade, saxophonist and composer Omer Leshem has been featured at New York City’s greatest venues. Originally from Herzliya, Israel, Leshem’s unique compositional style is influenced by a wide range of genres and concepts, including classical European harmonies, Mediterranean grooves and lyricism, and contemporary free jazz. He has been touring both as a band leader and as a sideman, performing in festivals around the country and internationally. He is the winner of several acclaimed jazz competitions including EUROFEST, Red Sea JazzFest Youth Competition, AICF Competition, and Rostov International Jazz Competition.

Leshem recorded his first album, Needless To Say, with his quartet upon his arrival to NYC in 2017. The album is composed of six original tunes featuring Omer's distinct compositional style. His second release, With All Due Respect (2023), presents an array of original compositions written during the Covid-19 pandemic. The music was arranged collaboratively by members of Leshem's trio. The harmony-less band gave the musicians greater freedom and room to explore novel directions, timbers, and textures. ​

Leshem graduated with a BFA from New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, directed by Reggie Workman, as the Valedictorian of his class. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology from The New School for Social Research. In his empirical research, Leshem has collaborated with leading musicians such as Dave Douglas, Kris Davis, and Andy Milne to investigate live concert audience-performer interactions.

Omer Leshem (Photographer: Yoav Trifman)

Ubuntu Music Signs Legendary Jazz Vocalist Elaine Delmar for Album Release

Elaine Delmar / Speak Low

Release Date: 19th July 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0165

Elaine Delmar (Photographer: Tatiana Gorilovsky)

Ubuntu Music is absolutely delighted to announce the signing of the 2023 recipient of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards Vocalist of The Year, Elaine Delmar, for the release of her much-anticipated album, Speak Low, which will be available worldwide from 19th August on the Ubuntu Music record label.

The project was conceived to highlight Elaine’s interpretations of songs from across her long and illustrious career. The musical arrangements were all written for her by many of her great collaborators over the years. The intimate nature of the recording stunningly demonstrates Elaine’s unique approach to the art of the song. Speak Low brings the arrangements to life in a fresh and exciting way. As Elaine explains, her band is her ‘musical family’ and this closeness and depth of mutual understanding can be clearly heard in these recordings.

Barry Green, Elaine Delmar, Simon Thorpe (Photographer: Stephen Boffey)

The songs span the decades - from the 1920s right through to the 2000s, in varied musical arrangements specially written for Elaine. For this collection she has chosen some of her all-time favourite songs and this album features her in duet, trio and quartet settings, making for a particularly intimate series of musical conversations. The beautifully lyrical piano of Barry Green, the pure melodic gift of Jim Mullen’s guitar playing, and Simon Thorpe’s smooth, solid bass lines are featured throughout the album.  

Elaine Delmar (Photographer: Stephen Boffey)

Elaine shares her thoughts concerning her new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “We are all very excited to be working with Ubuntu. Martin (Hummel) and his team have been empathetic and supportive with a deep understanding of our shared musical sensibility, which is reflected in the high calibre of artists working under the Ubuntu umbrella.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “From the very first time I met Elaine and saw her live at Ronnie Scott’s, I simply knew she had to join us. She was the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards Vocalist of The Year. She is simply one of a kind and the grand damme of jazz vocalists in this country, with an extensive, colourful history. ‘Speak Low’ brings all of this to life. We are honoured to welcome Elaine and her band into the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

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

Simon Thorpe (Artist):  thorpeyman@gmail.com

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

ELAINE DELMAR BIOGRAPHY

Winner, Vocalist of the Year 2023

-Parliamentary Jazz Awards

"Truly defines the word class …"

-Humphrey Lyttelton, BBC Radio 2.

Born in Hertfordshire, UK, Elaine was raised in a strong musical environment. Her father, Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson, was a renowned trumpeter and a leading influence in the jazz and dance band movement in Britain from the 1930s onwards.

After initially studying classical piano, Elaine found a natural progression in singing and became a vocalist in her father's own band at sixteen. It was soon apparent that her vocal talent and natural affinity with the stage would lead her to triumph in many areas of the entertainment world.

Elaine's experience is indeed wide and diverse. Her first theatre appearance was in a revival of Finian's Rainbow in the late 50's at the New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool. She then became a member of a group called The Dominoes before starting her career on the London stage, appearing in Cowardy Custard at the Mermaid Theatre and No Strings at Her Majesty's Theatre. Although best known for her later starring role in the musical Bubbling Brown Sugar at The Royalty Theatre, London, she also had notable success with Kern Goes To Hollywood, appearing in both the London and Broadway productions. Elaine also received critical acclaim as a straight actress for her role in A Map of The World at the prestigious National Theatre. She has made many appearances on TV and radio and featured in Ken Russell's film Mahler as the Bohemian Princess.

Elaine's recording career began in the early 60's when she recorded various albums for one of her early champions, producer Denis Preston of Lansdowne Records. The first was an EP titled A Swinging Chick featuring the wonderful talent of Victor Feldman. Amongst her other albums, Elaine has also released the highly acclaimed Elaine Sings Wilder, a tribute to one of America's lesser-known composers, Alec Wilder. This album has become something of a collector's item. The pianist and musical director on this record was Colin Beaton, one of Elaine's mentors and early musical influences. She later went on to make a double album for Denis Preston entitled Elaine Delmar and Friends featuring Tony Coe, Alan Branscombe, Eddie Thompson and Pat Smythe, another great influence on Elaine's musical life.

Elaine's more recent recordings ’Swonderful, Nobody Else But Me and

But Beautiful all feature Brian Dee, the much-respected jazz pianist and accompanist with whom Elaine worked for over 20 years. In 2013 Elaine received the APPJAC SPECIAL AWARD FOR JAZZ from Michael Connarty MP at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards at the House of Commons, and in July 2023, she won their VOCALIST OF THE YEAR award.

Elaine is equally at home whether entertaining a concert audience or performing in the more intimate cabaret/small theatre setting. For example, she has appeared in concert with Andy Williams (Free Trade Hall, Manchester) and Michel Legrand with the London Symphony Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall, London). In cabaret, her performances have included appearances at The Ritz Hotel, London, as well as on the QE2 and numerous other cruise liners around the globe. In recent years Elaine has been the star vocalist in such touring shows as Let's Do It saluting the music of Cole Porter, and the musical celebration By George, It's Gershwin. 

Elaine's popular appearances at the world-famous Ronnie Scott's Club in London have shown her to be remarkably adaptable in a jazz setting, having worked here at different times with such jazz giants as Herb Ellis, Benny Carter and Stephane Grappelli. Her recent season and her live album at Ronnie Scott's evidence a singer who remains in the prime of her performing life. By popular demand, she regularly headlines at the club, along with her band which features pianist Barry Green. Elaine most recent recording, Speak Low, will be released worldwide 19th August on the Ubuntu Music record label.

Website: https://www.elainedelmar.com/

Ubuntu Music Signs Hungarian Pianist Matyas Gayer for Trio Album Release

Matyas Gayer Trio / Westbourne Park

Release Date: 23rd August 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0171

Matyas Gayer (Photographer: John Kye)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of Hungarian pianist/composer Matyas Gayer, for the release of Westbourne Park, his upcoming trio album on Ubuntu Music.

Matyas explains the background behind his latest project: “Capturing my artistic journey in London, this record embodies my musical evolution in the past years. Collaborating with two of my favourite musicians, Dave Green (bass) and Steve Brown (drums) is my vision coming true. Three generations playing music together resulted in a melodic, often lyrical jazz piano trio. Their musicality made the best out of my compositions and arrangements.”

Dave Green, Steve Brown (Photographer: John Kye)

Matyas continues, describing his music: “Westbourne Park is a selection of 10 songs inspired and influenced by my stay in London over the last five years. The theme song is inspired by an area I first moved to and stayed in for a short period of time. Five originals are on the album, as well as four arrangements from the Great American Songbook, as well as a reimagination of a piece by one of my favourite pianist/composers, Frederik Chopin.”

Matyas shares his view concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I first heard of Ubuntu Music from my high-profile artist friends and am really happy to now be part of a musical journey together and contributing to music history.”

Steve Brown, Matyas Gayer, Dave Green (Photographer: John Kye)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was absolutely knocked out from the very first time I heard Matyas’ ‘Westbourne Park’ project. Matyas has been described as one of a handful of young pianists who is successfully forging his own distinctive style and musical voice out of the greatness of a jazz piano tradition. Combine this with the multi-generational trio of Dave Green and Steve Brown, and you have magic. We welcome Matyas to the Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Matyas Gayer (Artist):  matyas.gayer@gmail.com

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

MATYAS GAYER BIOGRAPHY

The London based Hungarian jazz pianist, Matyas Gayer is one of the leaders of his generation. The award-winning young musician is successfully forging his own distinctive style and musical voice out of the greatness of the jazz piano tradition. The two times Montreux Jazz Piano Competition finalist released his first album (Never Ending Story) as a leader in 2018 on Fresh Sound New Talent Records with NYC drummer extraordinaire, Pete Van Nostrand.

A regular performer on the London and European jazz scene, Matyas has collaborated with the greats of jazz including Eddie Henderson, Scott Hamilton, Rick Margitza, Don Menza, Jim Rotondi, Luis Bonilla, Jesse Davis, Dusko Goykovich, Stjepko Gut, Grant Stewart, Don Braden and Carla Cook, to name just a few. Matyas appeared in the most illustrious jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express Soho, 606 Jazz Club, Montmartre Copenhagen, Porgy and Bess Vienna, Jazzkeller Frankfurt, Unterfahrt München, Bird's Eye Basel, Hot Club Lisbon, Half Note Athens, Jamboree Barcelona and Sunset Girona.

In 2022 he was part of a live recording at Pizza Express, Soho with Don Braden and in 2023 a studio album recording with Scott Hamilton. Matyas is releasing a new trio record on Ubuntu Music this year with legends of UK Jazz, bassist Dave Green and drummer Steve Brown.

Website:  https://www.matyasgayer.com/

Ubuntu Music Signs Guitarist Ant Law & Vocalist Brigitte Beraha for Debut Album Release

Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha / Ensconced

Release Date: 16th August 2024

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0169

Brigitte Beraha & Ant Law (Photographer: Rob Blackham)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the duo, guitarist Ant Law and vocalist Brigitte Beraha, for the release of Ensconced, their debut album on Ubuntu Music.

Ant and Brigitte explain: “‘Ensconced’ has a cozy, autumnal feeling. It is focused on the sound of Brigitte’s voice and Ant playing steel-string acoustic guitar. On recent projects Brigitte has experimented with electronics and effects - but here we hear her directly, sat around the campfire…”

Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha (Photographer: Rob Blackham)

They continue, describing their music: “We invite you in with the sweet ‘A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, followed by five new original songs and one reinterpretation of an earlier composition, ‘Harvest’, in which Brigitte sings wordlessly. The album gathers velocity as it progresses and there are guest appearances from Kit Downes, Petros Klampanis, Matt Calvert, Million Square and more. It closes with Bernstein’s ‘Some Other Time’ - once again performed as a duo, just as the album opened.”

Ant shares his view on their new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I’ve worked successfully with Ubuntu on a number of releases as a sideman in recent years. Their catalogue has grown significantly with more and more established artists coming on board. I’m very pleased to join their roster and hope that the success continues!”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Ant on a number of projects, including most recently with the outstanding Trio HLK album. And we first began working with Brigitte with the Solstice release in 2021. So, it seems as if destiny was calling for ‘Ensconced’ to join our Family. It’s a beautiful album that demonstrates their talent and their musical diversity. We’re happy to be a part of it.”     

For further information, please contact:

Ant Law (Artist):  AntLawGuitar@gmail.com

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

BIOGRAPHIES

ANT LAW

British guitarist Ant lives in London and is “a game changer” according to The Guardian. His 5th album ‘Same Moon in the Same World’ (Outside in Music) was released on 4th November 2022.

Same Moon is a collaboration between Ant and the brilliant saxophonist & composer Alex Hitchcock. Recorded in 2020/2021 across multiple continents, bridging the gap between London, Amsterdam and New York, it brings together a stellar cast of guest musicians performing new compositions: vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassists Linda May Han Oh, Ben Williams and Jasper Høiby, and drummers Jeff Ballard, Kendrick Scott, Sun-Mi Hong and Eric Harland.

The Same Moon quartet toured in Europe in December 2022: Ant, Alex Hitchcock (saxophone), Conor Chaplin (bass) and Jeff Ballard (drums) who appears on the album. In February & March 2023 Ant and Alex are toured with Jasper Høiby (bass) and Sun-Mi Hong (drums), both of whom also feature on the album. Tour booking is underway for this lineup throughout 2024.

The pandemic hit in the middle of The Sleeper Wakes European tour. London was locked-down and Ant began collaborating on a series of remote recordings with a range of artists across the globe. This evolved into weekly livestreams in which he broadcast the collaborative music videos and interviewed the guests. It is entitled “QZ” - which stands for Quarantine Zone. These streams were ongoing on the last Thursday of every month on YouTube, facebook & Twitch - but now that live performances are back they have stopped.

In 2013 his debut 'Entanglement' (33Jazz) was released, followed by 'Zero Sum World' (Whirlwind Recordings) in 2015 and then 'Life I Know' (Edition Records) in 2018. This release was described as “career-defining”. It achieved 5 star reviews, made numerous “best of 2018" lists, received airplay in the UK, Europe, Australia, and was added to numerous editorial playlists on Spotify. 2020 saw the release of Ant’s 4th album - the critically acclaimed ‘The Sleeper Wakes’ (Edition).

In addition to leading his own projects, Ant plays in Tim Garland's band with Jason Rebello & Asaf Sirkis, featuring on albums 'Songs To The North Sky', 'Return To The Fire' & 'ONE' which was shortlisted for a Grammy and won the Jazzwise Best Album award. 

Ant is also the “L” in Trio HLK who record/tour with Dame Evelyn Glennie. He has worked with other notables Cory Henry, Thomas Gould and is featured in “Total Guitar", “Guitar Techniques" & “Guitarist” magazines. In the latter he was included in a list of “10 Astounding Virtuosos”, and the May 2021 issue of Guitar Techniques features a 2-page spread on Ant, and a 9/10 review of The Sleeper Wakes.

2016 saw the emergence of the Art Of Rhythm Trio featuring Matt Ridley (bass) and Asaf Sirkis (drums & konnakol). In April/May they played a 20-date tour all over the UK, supported by the Arts Council. They had played together in a different ensembles but the tour allowed them to consolidate their musical relationships and develop the trio dynamic. Most notable perhaps is the inclusion of Indian classical elements (check out this video) such as konnakol, the South-Indian spoken percussion, amidst all the jazz. This video features the rarely sighted Art Of Rhythm expanded into quintet formation.

Ant was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he lived until the age of 16. From a young age he was exposed to early blues and rock 'n' roll, as well as Arabic music. He began playing classical piano and guitar around the age of 8. Throughout his teens he gravitated towards the guitar. A history teacher gave him a video of Stevie Ray Vaughan playing live at the El Mocambo, which was a huge influence, along with videos of Guns 'n' Roses, Queen, and later on Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

Law studied Physics on a scholarship at Edinburgh University. In the summer before his final year there he completed a summer semester at Berklee College Of Music, Boston. This he says was crucial because he heard gospel music and gospel drummers for the first time, and lots of Latin American music. As he continued with the Physics degree he became obsessed with jazz and played his first jazz gigs. By this point he had discovered and started using Perfect 4ths tuning for the guitar. In a case of convergent evolution, other players (like Stanley Jordan, Tom Quayle) had also discovered and were using this same tuning. Allan Holdsworth has said that if he could start again, he would tune this way. Ant wrote a book introducing the tuning entitled “3rd Millenium Guitar" which is published by Mel Bay.

Since 2010 Ant has concentrated on make a living playing guitar, eventually moving to London and immersing himself in the scene there and touring internationally. He has also lived in NYC for a season where he studied with his heroes Ari Hoenig, Ben Monder, Adam Rogers, Lage Lund, Johannes Weidenmueller, Tim Miller and others.

Website:  https://www.AntLaw.co.uk/

BRIGITTE BERAHA

Born in Milan to a Turkish father and Turkish-British mother, Beraha grew up on the Côte d’Azur in France where her first music memories are of sitting and listening to her dad play piano and sing. This musical, multinational and multilingual upbringing combined to inspire and shape one of the most creative vocalists and composers on the UK scene. 

Embracing a wide variety of music influences and genres, from jazz and Latin to classical and, more recently, electronic, Beraha’s sound is free and fluid with an emphasis on exploration and expression. Fearlessly testing the limits of the voice as instrument, her sound is distinguished by the unexpected, with free improvisation and evocative wordless singing at its core. 

This agility, adventurous spirit and limitless imagination all mark her out as a truly exciting and versatile artist with a huge range of experience and creative scope.

She has worked with a wide range of musicians and recorded a number of critically acclaimed albums. Her first solo work By the Cobbled Path (2021) has seen her unending curiosity explore electronic sounds and effects further still, to compliment and accentuate the dream-like quality of her compositions. This album marks the next stage of Beraha’s ever-exciting journey as composer, vocalist and lyricist. Her 5th album as a leader ‘Blink’ (2022), the follow up to Lucid Dreamers (2020) where she is joined by top-class London musicians George Crowley, Alcyona Mick & Tim Giles, was released on 20th May 2022 with a 13-date UK/ European tour supported by Arts Council England, the band’s first touring opportunity since forming in 2020. They are now embarking on another run of dates and plan to record their third album for a release in late 2023.

Previous albums, Prelude to a Kiss (FMR, 2005) and Flying Dreams (F-Ire, 2008), equally reveal the constant movement and development of Beraha as an artist. The former, a combination of jazz standards and originals, attests to her love for jazz and latin standards while also setting the tone for her trademark contemporary and ethereal sound, enhanced by the saxophone of Ingrid Laubrock. The second is a more personal collection of original compositions, influenced by Anglo-European and Latin jazz as well as Brigitte’s own cosmopolitan upbringing.

Website:  https://www.BrigitteBeraha.com/

Ubuntu Music Signs Trumpet Player Steven Nichols for Debut Album Release

Steven Nichols / From Dust

Release Date: 21st June 2024

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0159

Steven Nichols (Photographer: Will Dawson)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of trumpet player Steven Nichols, for the release of From Dust, his debut album on Ubuntu Music.

Steven describes the idea behind the project: “’From Dust’ is my debut project that has been gradually formed over the last few years. It has developed through playing and studying with the incredible musicians on the album, primarily out of the musical connections I have developed with saxophonist, Charlie Rees, and pianist, Reuben Goldmark, who have influenced my musical journey and have inspired my compositions over the last decade. The project also coincided with my journey to faith In Christ. I was inspired to write throughout this period and that journey brought ‘From Dust’ to life. The name seemed fitting to reflect a debut release and a life which have been brought ‘From Dust’, into life!”

Left to right: John Jones, Reuben Goldmark, Charles Rees, Amund Kleppan, Steven Nichols (video edit)

Steven continues, sharing his perspective of the music from the album: “The compositions were developed and brought together through a series of gigs around the UK where the quartet of Charlie, John, Reuben and I developed a sound that was captured in the recording studio the month after. Amund came in as the final piece the day before the recording. After a brief chat through the music, he brought it to life. My last instruction to him was to ‘bring some chaos’ which you can hear in tracks ‘From Dust’ and ‘Green Juice’!”

Steven describes his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “It is a privilege to work with Martin and the team at Ubuntu whose enthusiasm and passion helped bring this project to life. The time Ubuntu gives to young, upcoming artists drew me to the label and this was perfectly embodied by the encouragement I have received throughout the project from Martin. Being part of a label that has artists including Chet Baker, Seamus Blake and a who’s who of the best of the British jazz scene is truly unbelievable.” 

Steven Nichols (video edit)

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “ I was first introduced to Steven and his music a few years back and was immediately attracted to his compositional style and his warm, infectious playing. Steven’s quintet, featuring the excellent contributions Charlie Rees (sax) and Reuben Goldmark (piano), make this a very special debut album. We are thrilled to be a part of this project and we welcome Steven with open arms into our Ubuntu Music Family.”

For further information, please contact:

Steven Nichols (Artist):  StevenNicholsMusic@gmail.com

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

STEVEN NICHOLS BIOGRAPHY

Steven Nichols is a trumpeter, composer/arranger and educator, and recent first-class graduate of the Royal Academy of Music. Over the course of his studies, Steven has had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned artists such as Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Will Vinson, Norma Winstone and Evan Parker. During this time, he studied with many of the UK's most in-demand musicians, including Steve Fishwick, Stan Sulzmann, Mike Lovatt, Gareth Lockrane, Iain Ballamy and Nick Smart.

Steven became a student at the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at the age of nine where he studied jazz and classical trumpet with Percy Pursglove, Mike Williams and Lluis Mather for seven years. During this time, he was principal trumpet for the conservatoire's wind orchestra and symphony orchestra, performing at venues ranging from the Royal Albert Hall to Birmingham Symphony Hall and Birmingham Town Hall. Steven went on to study jazz with Iain Dixon and Steve Berry at Chetham’s School of Music for six form. During his time there, Steven had the opportunity to perform at the Bridgewater Hall, Band on the Wall and Stoller Hall. 

Steven now frequently plays around the UK in venues which have included Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club and the Vortex jazz Club.