Wandering Monster / Zenna
Release Date: 28th July 2023
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0135
Left to right: Ben Powling, Calvin Travers, Tom Higham, Sam Quintana, Richard Harrold (Photographer: Sophie Jouvenaar)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the continuation of its successful relationship with Wandering Monster, the progressive jazz ensemble, for the release of Zenna on 28th July 2023.
Zenna is Wandering Monster’s second full length album and their third release on the Ubuntu label. It features four new original compositions as well as interpretations of pieces by Jaco Pastorius and Randy Newman. Like the group’s previous releases, the record is a blend of infectious, off-kilter grooves, catchy hooks, ferocious soloing, spontaneous collective improvisation and emotive, hypnotic vamps. The band continues to cultivate a unique sound but also venture into previously unexplored territory, flirting with free improvisation, minimalism and through-composed material. Expect to be taken on an emotional journey through sound-worlds that are intense and raucous, yet sensitive and thoughtful.
Sam Quintana (Photographer: Sophie Jouvenaar)
Bassist and band leader Sam Quintana explains: “The music on this album is the best the band has ever sounded and is certainly the most inspiring and accomplished project I personally have been a part of. With the release of our two singles Metropolis/Division in 2020 we hit upon a really exciting creative process which produced some amazing results. I was desperate to build on this momentum and work towards a second full length album, but the Covid-19 lockdowns interrupted this creative flow. We were unable to get together to play together, but I managed to keep on writing with the band in mind. It was never my intention to write a ‘lockdown album’, but ultimately the music on this record is a product of the host of emotions I felt during that time. I wanted to challenge myself and the band with this new material, so some of the music sees us venture into new sonic territory. As well as what you may expect from Wandering Monster, there is free improvisation, minimalism, arco bass playing and an interpretation of an Americana pop ballad. I’m glad we’re now through a challenging period and I am incredibly excited to begin a new chapter for the band with this release!”
Above: Ben Powling, Tom Higham, Calvin Travers. Below: Sam Quintana, Richard Harrold (Photographer: Sophie Jouvenaar)
Sam continues, describing his ongoing relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I am thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Martin (Hummel) and Ubuntu Music. Since we first began working together in 2018, I have enjoyed seeing the label go from strength to strength, releasing an extensive body of music from both exciting emerging artists as well as internationally renowned musicians at the top of the jazz tree. Martin’s passion for music is clear to see and we are delighted to be a part of Ubuntu Music’s fabulous roster.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “We continue to build on the successful and dynamic relationship with Sam and Wandering Monster. These guys question the status quo of what we refer to as jazz, and it into something surprising, exciting, and always professional at the highest level. We are so happy to call them members of the Ubuntu Music Family and always look forward to discovering what they will do next.”
For further information, please contact:
Rupert Burley/Dynamic Agency (UK): rupert@dynamicagency.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
WANDERING MONSTER BIOGRAPHY
Leeds-based group Wandering Monster reaches beyond what may be expected from the tried and tested line-up of the tenor saxophone/guitar quintet. The band’s original compositions, penned by double bassist and leader Sam Quintana, draw from a love of American and European jazz, rock and world music, creating a sound that’s simultaneously raucous and sensitive, intense and intellectual. Wandering Monster is made up of some of the finest musicians operating in the UK today; members of the band have also performed with a host of esteemed artists who include Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, Mark Nightingale, Lianne Carroll, Evelyn Glennie, Ant Law, Jasmine Myra, Melt Yourself Down and Worldservice Project amongst others.
Since its inception the band has become an integral part of the thriving Leeds scene, which has produced the likes of Roller Trio, Trio VD, Matthew Bourne and Submotion Orchestra, and with the release of their celebrated debut album (Ubuntu, 2019) Wandering Monster undertook a 14-date UK tour showcasing a dynamic live performance synonymous with the city’s roster of innovative artists.
Singles Division and Metropolis (Ubuntu, 2020) show a band continuing to progress and develop. Both compositions display sound-world that is both cinematic and propulsive, securing Wandering Monster as one of the most exciting young groups operating in the UK today.
2023 will see the release of Wandering Monster’s second album Zenna which will be launched with a number of UK tour dates later in the year.
“...there’s a maturity and generosity in each other’s musical company that makes
Wandering Monster just a little special.”
– Andy Robson, Jazzwise Magazine
“Thoughtful music; melodic, flowing and measured, with enough twists and
turns to keep everyone engaged”.
– Mike Walker (Dave Holland, Tal Farlow, Anthony Braxton)
“This is an incredibly impressive release, it’s insanely good.”
– Local Sound Focus
Zenna album cover (Artwork by Maria Alzamora)
