Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of saxophonist Jon Lloyd, for the release of Earth Songs on Ubuntu Music. Jon’s UK quartet features pianist Jon Law, bassist Nick Pinni and drummer Alex Goodyear.

The music sits firmly within the arena of European contemporary jazz, brought to life through vibrant, melodic and engaging compositions written by Jon specifically for this quartet.

Jon describes the idea behind his latest project, Earth Songs: “This quartet arose because my interest in European Contemporary Jazz became such that I needed to find the best way possible to present my compositions in this area of music. My previous musical career in free music was always pointing in this direction... For that reason, my long-standing friend and musical collaborator, pianist John Law, was the only real choice for expressing the delicate harmonic fabric of this music. His combination of sensitivity, immense depth of musical knowledge and virtuosic technique makes him the perfect fit. Next, I wanted a drummer with the understated strength and imagination which this music requires. To find that in the young Alex Goodyear was a true miracle! On bass I needed someone with the ability to be both abstract and groovy, with super accurate pitch and a deep propulsive feel without necessarily having to swing! Like Alex, Nick Pini was an amazingly lucky find. As I say in my promotional film, I feel blessed every time this band plays!”

Jon continues, concerning the music: “The music on the album all comes from the same direct, emotional place. It is from that area of European jazz I love where different musical worlds are vying for attention – some Western modes, some Eastern scales, some hypnotic jazz grooves in unexpected time signatures, some almost classical passages; but all the time making a coherent statement, where you won’t hear the joins! All my compositions attempt to express an emotion in as honest a way as possible, focusing on strong and hopefully beautiful melodic hooks while trying to avoid obvious patterns, cliches and conventions. I also try to write music where the listener cannot be sure what is written and what is improvised… Importantly, the music on the album showcases the talents of four excellent, spontaneously creative musicians – and it sounds exactly how we play live!”

And, concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Jon explains: “Developing a relationship with Ubuntu Music has been a great privilege. I have released music in many ways and on several different European and British labels over the years, and this is the first time I have felt this supported and nurtured by a record label. Martin Hummel and the Ubuntu team care about the state of jazz and improvised music in this country, and I cannot think of another label that has this magical combination of both a high international profile and a close relationship with, and genuine consideration for, its varied roster of artists. I am delighted that my quartet music is in such safe hands!”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “In all honesty, I was recently introduced to Jon and his music. When Jon shared his ‘Earth Songs’ project with me, I was immediately attracted to his sensitivity as a composer and performer. Jon’s interplay with pianist John Law is magical. As a saxophonist, Jon may walk softly, but he delivers a very arresting sound. It’s a pleasure to have Jon join the Ubuntu Music Family.”

JON LLOYD QUARTET BIOGRAPHY

This 2023 quartet presents UK saxophonist Jon Lloyd’s new European Contemporary jazz compositions, reuniting him with superb pianist John Law and incorporating the dynamic young rhythm section of Alex Goodyear on drums and Nick Pini on bass.

Saxophonist Jon Lloyd arrived on the UK free jazz scene in the early 1990s and rose to prominence with highly regarded recordings on Leo records and the Swiss label HatHut, and with many UK and European concerts with his quartet comprising John Law, bassist Paul Rogers (or Tim Wells) and drummer Mark Sanders. Highlights during this period included Berlin's FMP Festival, UK jazz festivals, many Arts Council tours and the 1993 Contemporary Music Network tour of the UK with the Bill Frisell Band.

Over the years Jon has embraced contemporary composition, abstract improv and American jazz and fusion, but in the last decade has primarily developed his music towards the European jazz aesthetic, notably recording "Vanishing Points" in 2013 with Asaf Sirkis, Tom Farmer, John Law and Rob Palmer.

John Law is one of the outstanding pianists in the UK. His solo, duo, trio and quartet projects have toured throughout the UK and Europe for 30 years and he has played with many of the contemporary greats of UK jazz: Asaf Sirkis, Andy Sheppard, Tim Garland, Yuri Golubev, Jason Rebello, Julian Siegal and Paul Dunmall. His most recent major touring projects include Congregation with Ashley John-Long and James Mainwaring, Re-Creations with Sam Crockatt, and Renaissance with Jon Lloyd and Patrick Dunn. John and Jon Lloyd have enjoyed a 30-year musical relationship, collaborating on many varied projects, including their new duo Naissance in 2023.

Alex Goodyear is a young UK based drummer, bandleader and composer. Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019, he has become a regular of the UK Jazz scene, working with artists including Simon Spillett, Iain Ballamy, Denny Ilett, Monique Thomas, Greg Abate, Jake McMurchie, Alan Barnes, Huw Warren, Rebecca Nash and Nick Malcolm. His piano trio “Yetii”, with Alex Veitch and Ashley John-Long is currently making waves on the UK jazz scene.

Nick Pini studied jazz and improvisation at Trinity College of Music in London. Branching out into other genres after leaving, Nick has since worked with some of the UK’s and the world’s most well-known artists as a session musician and a touring band member (Laura Marling, Ethan Johns, Nick Mulvey, Tom Jones, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Seth Lakeman, Ramin Karimloo, Will Butterworth, Izzie Yardley), whilst keeping a keen hand in the UK’s rich and diverse contemporary jazz scene (Iain Ballamy quartet).