Jazz Views’ Chris Baber writes, “Cavanagh-Brierley creates the textures and mood of a big orchestra without losing the nuance and subtlity of each of the instruments.”
INTERVIEW: Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley
“As well as being a jazz musician I play classical music and pop. I love it all, so why not include it?” John Bungey interviews Manchester-based composer and bassist Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley, a man with no time for pigeon-holes whose work and influences span the genres and ages. Here he talks to John about his well-received third album, which may break the rules but perfectly represents this diverse musician who “writes for himself.”
For the complete interview, please click on the image, above.
Ubuntu Music Signs Acclaimed Composer/Bassist Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley For Album Release
Joy In Bewilderment
UBU0084 / CD & Digital Formats
RELEASE DATE: 16th July 2021
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (Photograph: Dan Wiebe)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of composer/bassist Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley for the album release, Joy In Bewilderment, featuring an array of exceptional musicians who perform a broad series of jazz-related musical textures. The album stretches from solo piano and string quartet to 13-piece, three drummer ensembles, with special guests including Chris Potter and the Amika String Quartet, amongst others.
A native of Manchester, England, Joshua’s group is an amalgamation of musicians formed under the omni-genre outfit penned by the bassist. Considered an exceptional practitioner of his craft, Joshua channels a modern Mingus style, with support from a plethora of youthful talent and formidable arrangements. The group consists of assortment of musicians who deliver irregularly catchy time signatures of powerful grooves and jazzy, feel-good vibes.
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (Photograph: Dan Wiebe)
Joshua describes the narrative of the project: “'Joy In Bewilderment' is an intimate expression and contemplation on how you can feel and function in modern society. It depicts the perplexity on the political climate and humanistic vulnerability through an amalgamation of resilience, puzzlement and exasperation. Even within these surroundings, it encapsulates optimism for the future and gratitude for the now. I’m writing for myself with this album. This is the music that I hear, and it feels like the most honest expression I’ve created to date.”
He continues, describing the music: “The album asserts itself through a crossover of bold musical textures throughout its chronology. It serves its narrative through a necessary variation of forms of exploration. From a string quartet to a 13-piece horn section led ensemble, (including three drummers), to solo piano to vocal-led storytelling. This album roams through a multitude of colour with all original compositions that span from heavily arranged to heavy improvisation. It accommodates an incredibly versatile ensemble and features guest performers Chris Potter and Caoilfhionn Rose.”
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (Photograph: Dan Wiebe)
Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Joshua elaborates: " For me Ubuntu Music is a record label with a rare ethos in the music industry. Its aim is as clear as water. The Label allows artists to do what they do naturally; create the art that they feel, and share it openly and honestly, rather than pushing to create a jigsaw-piece-like-product which competes to fit in with what’s current. I feel amongst good company on the Label and am really fortunate to share this platform with so many artists I admire.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his enthusiasm concerning the Label’s latest signing: “Josh is a deeply considered composer and musician, who shatters convention with fearless creativity and an ethos that is unwavering to who he is and what his music is all about. We’re delighted to have Josh join the Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley: joshbrierley@hotmail.co.uk
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com