‘Dorje’ is a featured New Release, saying, “a unique proposition in today’s musical landscape and innovators within their field.”
REVIEW: Skeltr 'Dorje'
USA’s Jazziz writes, “‘ones to watch”.
REVIEW: Skeltr 'Dorje'
Kind of Jazz’s Rob Mallows writes, “Skeltr makes a virtue out of the limitations imposed by having just two players (particularly live, one imagines) and it clearly aids their creativity.”
REVIEW: SKELTR ELEVATE WITH SPIRITUAL JAZZ RAVE ALBUM ‘DORJE’
Pink Wafer’s Michael Sandford writes, “Spine-tingling moments aplenty, a vibrant, vital energy runs through the record – and it’s hard not to be moved.”
Sam Healey & Craig Hanson.
Skeltr seamlessly blend spiritual jazz and rave in their epic debut album Dorje. In a distinctly unusual fusion of genres and ideas, the Manchester-based duo pull off a crossover that feels unwaveringly coherent and organic. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist philosophy and practice on the one hand, and Manchester‘s rave scene on the other, the record makes a surprising amount of sense.
Comprised of Sam Healey on sax, vocals, and keys and Craig Hanson on drums, Dorje also features the vocal talents of Hayley Williams on ‘Siren’ and Manchester rapper KinKai on ‘KinKai’s Question.’
Built on a sonic foundation of vibrant drumming and huge synth textures, the record sees vocals and soaring layered sax melodies take turns in the foreground. Spine-tingling moments aplenty, a vibrant, vital energy runs through the record – and it’s hard not to be moved.
Bebop Spoken Here Digs Skeltr's Dofjé
Chris K writes, “all credit to Ubuntu Music and Skeltr for exploring new fusion, and opening up new audiences.”
Skeltr To Release 'Dorje' Album
Marlbank writes, “Going on YouTube footage of their earlier work the beefy grooves of Skeltr are a new band to keep an eye out for this autumn".”
Ubuntu Music Signs Skeltr For Next Album Release
Skeltr
Dorje
UBU0070 / 9th October 2020
CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats
Sam Healey and Craig Hanson
Ubuntu Music is excited to announce the signing of Skeltr for the worldwide release of their album, ‘Dorje’, on 9th October 2020.
Skeltr began as a late night, post-gig session between Sam Healey (keys) and Craig Hanson (drums) in the dusty old cotton mills of Manchester. Forging a shared connection inspired by Post-bop and Modern groove, the pair developed a tightly knit, highly musical duo. Their first UK gig in 2017 at the Manchester Jazz Festival saw the duo sell all of their physical records of their debut release in one day. Within a few months of this auspicious start, the lads found themselves supporting L.A sensation KNOWER on UK tour, appearing on JazzFM, Worldwide FM, listed as ‘ones to watch’ in Jazzwise Magazine as well as performing across European jazz festivals, including Reykjavik Jazz Festival, InJazz, Rotterdam and the famous Osloscene Club in Norway.
A tragic accident saw hard times fall upon the Duo as Sam suffered a serious hand injury. However, after operations and months of rehabilitation, Sam was able to return to his saxophone and continue playing music again. Having had chance to compose during rehab, the Duo immediately hit the studio and recorded their second album, named after Sam’s new-born son, Dorje.
San Healey and Craig Hanson
A nucleus of Saxophone and Drums set to scapes of synths, vocals and guest features,
Skeltr's second album, 'Dorje', combines heartfelt statements of sensitive, illuminating, incensed improvisation which stem from ardent and fluent melodies. Craig on drums is as much an expressive protagonist of the music as he is a foundation with deep roots, leading to intricate interplay between the Duo. Themes include understanding the nature of happiness, self-examination and acceptance in a quest to achieve a positive mental state. Ultimately, ‘Dorje’ seeks to provide the listener with a space in which to explore their own relativities with guidance, inspiration and accompaniment.
San Healey and Craig Hanson
Sam describes the project, saying, “What a wonderful experience it has been to create this album. We look forward to spreading the music far and wide with positive intentions. The sounds are crafted with a passionate energy in our hearts and I hope others will be able to feel and hear that.”
San Healey and Craig Hanson
Concerning Skeltr’s new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Healey continues, “It has been a three-year journey to bring this album to fruition and we’re so happy to have met Martin (Hummel) and Ubuntu Music as the album was coming to completion. This auspicious timing makes the new relationship all the more rewarding. The Ubuntu Music team’s knowledge, experience and phenomenal work ethic are vastly inspiring and will help Skeltr to reach a much wider audience across the world. We look forward to a close relationship with the Label as we strive to bring great musical offerings to many people.”
San Healey and Craig Hanson
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, said, “These guys have breath-taking talent. I first came in touch with Sam on New Year’s Day (probably not the best day to do so) and told him what I thought of their music. It’s deep. It’s spiritual. And it shakes your senses, inside out and to your very core. Sam is meticulous in everything he does, and you can hear this in the recording. If you want to feed your soul with the best musical vibes, check this out.”
For further information, please contact:
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
Sam Healey/Artist (UK Publicity): skeltrmusic@gmail.com