LJN writes, “a well-conceived work and having seen Kavuma in the flesh a couple of times I can report that he’s a trumpet player to be watched and followed.”
The Banger Factory Earns Another Killer Album Review
Jazz Journal writes, “At a time when too many new and young bands strive too hard for effect, Kavuma’s Banger Factory stands out for its consummate control and mature restraint, producing here a strong statement that exudes style and panache. This band deserves all the praise that is currently coming its way.”
Another Thumbs Up for The Banger Factory!
Hi-Fi News & Record review magazine writes, “It’s the feeling of the whole that makes this music so enjoyable.”
Jazz Views Praises Kavuma's Banger Factory!
Eddie myer writes, “There’s an infectious feeling of joy and mutual excitement in this recording - Ben Lamdin’s warm, clear Fish Market Studio recording captures the sound of a group of young players delighting in each other’s company, united by a real affection and understanding for the music. Recommended.”
Mark Kavuma Feature in USA's Downbeat Magazine!
Ammar Kalia writes, “There is everything from Wynton Marsalis’ controlled precision to Roy Hargrove’s guysy soul and Louis Armstrong’s bright optimism in Kavuma’s playing.”
USA's SrereoGum Loves Kavuma's Banger Factory!
Publication chooses the album as one of the best Jazz Releases of the Month.
And Another Four (4) Stars for Kavuma's Banger Factory!
The Jazz Mann’s Ian Mann writes, “The playing throughout the course of the album is exceptional, with all of the musicians making telling contributions.”
Kavuma's Banger Factory Album Gets Another Four (4) Stars!
All About Jazz’s Chris May writes, “The Banger Factory is front-page good news with some delightful surprises up its sleeve.”
Ubuntu Music Signs Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory For His Second Album on the Label
Mark Kavuma
The Banger Factory
UBU0028 / CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats
Release Date: 19th July 2019
Mark Kavuma rapidly became a key trumpet player on the British Jazz scene. He leads his own Quartet, The Banger Factory and the ‘Floor Rippers’ House Band, as well as playing with Jean Toussaint’s Young Lions, Jazz Jamaica, The Alan Weekes Quintet and as one of the brass teachers at London based carnival band, Kinetika Bloco.
Mark has been featured as guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He’s also had the pleasure playing and touring with greats in the line of Salif Keita and Les Ambassadeurs, Mulatu Astatke, Barry Harris, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Kano and Scritti Polliti, to name a few.
Mark's main outfit, The Banger Factory, is a collective that is contingent upon bringing the people a good time. Born in the heart of Brixton, south London, the band has developed and nourished a truly unique and unmistakable sound. The ensemble explores original material that gets people moving.
Mark’s debut album, Kavuma, was released last year on Ubuntu Music to worldwide critical acclaim and was selected by USA’s Downbeat Magazine as one of the best jazz albums of 2018.
The Banger Factory features some of the most gifted, engaging and masterful musicians on the scene today, including Mussinghi Brian Edwards and Kaidi Akinnibi (saxes), Artie Zaitz (guitar), David Mrakpor (vibes), Reuben James (piano/organ), Deschanel Gordon (piano), Michael Schrimpling (double bass) and William Cleasby (drums).
Mark explains: “As Keith Richards once said, ‘Good music comes out of people playing together, knowing what they want to do and going for it. You have to sweat over it and bug it to death’.”
Concerning his signing with Ubuntu Music for his second release on the Label, Mark elaborates, “Re-signing with Ubuntu is a dream. Nothing but good times and I am grateful for the opportunity to do it all again, especially with all the support, love and encouragement I have received. It has been a beautiful journey and I cannot wait for you to hear this project and the new music. Very exciting times ahead.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music concludes, saying, “Our relationship with Mark and his band is an exceptionally special one. We began with Mark as he was defining his career path as a professional artist, and the resulting achievements in such a short period of time are both extraordinary and richly deserved. This guy never stops, has a bullet-proof vision and always delivers the very best to his audiences. There’s a lot more left in the tank with Kavuma and his gifted musicians. Ubuntu Music is thrilled and proud to be releasing the next chapter in Mark’s musical escapade.”
Kavuma Invades Japan!
Mark’s debut album has now been released locally, to an appreciative Japanese audience.