Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of alto saxophonist Allison Neale, for the worldwide release of her quartet album, Quietly There, on 7th August 2020 which features the exceptional NYC guitarist, Peter Bernstein.

Unique on the UK jazz scene, the Seattle born altoist’s beautifully crafted lines evoke the spirit of Paul Desmond and Art Pepper with whom she has a particular affinity.

As a strong advocate of the melodic West Coast jazz style, Allison is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents on today’s scene. In her early years she performed alongside leading international artists such as Ellington vocalist Adelaide Hall and altoist Bud Shank and was a featured member of the John Dankworth ‘Generations Band’ and the ‘Back to Basie’ Orchestra.

Allison’s ten-year association with the great UK bebop guitarist Dave Cliff (Warne Marsh/Lee Konitz) was a special and influential musical partnership and led to her critically acclaimed debut recording, Melody Express (2004), which featured in the Guardian jazz critic Dave Gelly’s Top Ten Jazz Records of the Year. This was followed by a second CD, Blue Concept (2009), featuring Netherlands based trumpeter Gary Kavanagh which celebrates the compositions of Gigi Gryce. Her third album, I Wished on the Moon (2015), also featured up and coming Milt Jackson influenced vibraphonist Nat Steele and hard bop pianist Leon Greening.

“Allison Neale plays the alto saxophone with a tone so light and airy it positively melts at the edges.”

--Dave Gelly, The Observer

More recently, Allison has worked alongside Nat Steele in their quintet project ‘Neale Meets Steele’ and also as co-creators of BopFest Jazz Festival, running alongside the London Jazz Festival. This is now in its fourth successful year, exclusively highlighting the vibrant UK bebop/straight ahead scene which both are a part of and building connections with fellow artists on the current New York scene, including tenorist Grant Stewart and pianist Michael Weiss.

Allison frequently tours the UK with her current Quartet, which also features young jazz pianist Alex Bryson, along with bassist Jeremy Brown and drummer Matt Fishwick and also with the ‘Two of a Mind’ project alongside multi-reed man Chris Biscoe, which celebrates their own take on the piano-less recordings of Gerry Mulligan and Paul Desmond through their album, Then and Now.

“...with a tone reminiscent of the Paul Desmond school of jazz, Allison Neale gets right to the heart of the music with no fuss or useless clutter…Neale’s alto sound is like brushed velvet…one might say it’s as cool as the perennial South Beach Cocktail…”

--John Gilbert, Jazz Review

For Quietly There, her upcoming release on Ubuntu Music, Allison describes the music in her own words: “I believe that the music on this record, my fifth album to date, is a complete reflection of where I am as an artist today. Quiet, understated, with the flavour of my influences. Some of these influences I share with Peter Bernstein, someone whose playing I have listened to over the years and always felt an affinity with. He has a truly unique voice whilst staying true to the jazz tradition. The same can be said of bassist Dave Green and drummer Steve Brown, two musicians that I have always had great respect for. They both have their own strong identity in the music and a double dose of humility between them.

“The repertoire for the album features tunes I have long wanted to record, many of which hail from the American Songbook, although you don’t hear them too often. Also featured are two compositions by guitarist Jimmy Raney and pianist Horace Silver, allowing everyone in the group to stretch out a little and for Peter and I to solo together.

“I have always intended the way I play to be an extension of the voice and I hope this sentiment is conveyed to the listener on this recording. The opportunity to have Peter Bernstein, one of the great guitarists in jazz today, in the group made it all the more special.”

Concerning her new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Allison explains: “It is a real delight to be able to release “Quietly There” as my debut on the Ubuntu Music label. Having the chance to work with Martin Hummel, someone who is so dedicated to helping and supporting jazz musicians through his own love and enthusiasm for this music is a deeply rare opportunity and is especially so in the current climate. “

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, describes the Label’s latest signing: “When I first heard Allison’s playing, it was love at first listen. She captures that magical period of the 50s and 60s West Coast cool jazz period and expresses this on her own terms. This is truly a beautiful recording, made even more special with the magical touch of Peter Bernstein’s seductive guitar. This is a very special release, and not to be missed.”