UK Vibe’s Alan Musson writes, “I can’t really do this album full justice in words.” ★★★★
For the full article, please click on the image, above.
LIVE REVIEW: Dameronia's Legacy All-Stars at Ronnie Scott's
A great show to a packed house, loved by all!
For the full article, please click on the image, above.
REVIEW: Allan Holdsworth's Legacy
The Netherlands is loving this release!
Translation
"The Nineteen Men of Tain doesn't contain archive material, but it is, as the subtitle says, a belated tribune to the in 2017 de deceased legend. Under the band name Allan's Legacy, under supervision of guitarist/keyboardist Enrico Pinna and drummer Ollie Usiskin, thirteen of Holdsworth's compositions have been played by nineteens musicians (hence the title which is derived from the album The Sixteen men of Tain). Among them were musicians who had a direct relationship with him: among whom Joel Taylor and John Etheridge; renowned players who have been influenced by him like Antoine Fafard and Sebastiaan Cornelissen; world stars like Mike Stern and Paul Wertico; and utterly talented virtuosos within the jazzrock genre."
The Poignant Music of Melting Ice: Have a Listen
Scientists and musicians are recording the sounds of unfreezing water to document and predict the effects of climate change. Can their work help slow it, too?
For the full article, please click on the image, above.
Ubuntu Music to Release Album featuring Israeli Artists Mattan Klein & Uria Mader
Spice’n’Space / The Funk Thing
Release Date: 4th August 2023
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0145
Mattan Klein and Uria Mader (Photographer: Michael Pavia)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of The Funk Thing, the latest project from flutist/composer Mattan Klein, which will be available worldwide from 4th August 2023.
Spice’n’Space is an Israel-based jazz-funk band led by Mattan and drummer Uria Mader.
The band’s vision is about blending the old school 70s instrumental funk with some fresh and new aesthetics, delivering a perfect combination of the past with the present.
Mattan is a jazz/world music flutist and composer who has worked with some of Israel’s greatest artists such as Tom Oren (winner of the Thelonious Monk Institute Piano Competition), Gadi Stern (Shalosh), and Avri Borochov. Mattan has performed on the most prestigious worldwide stages such as Carnegie Hall (New York City) and the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC).
Uria is an up-and-coming Israeli drummer, extremely versatile and comfortable in both the jazz and rock genres and has performed on Israel’s greatest stages and festivals such as IndyNegev Festival (Israel’s biggest music festival) and Red Sea Guitar Festival.
Mattan Klein and Uria Mader (Photographer: Michael Pavia)
Spice’n’Space will be headlining the Tel Aviv International Flute Festival, and the Klaipeda International Jazz Festival in Lithuania during June 2023. The band members had performed at the London Jazz Festival, The Red Sea Jazz Festival, Nisville Jazz Festival in Serbia, Albania International Jazz Festival and many more.
Mattan and Uria describe their latest project: “The Funk Thing’ presents a fresh new approach to funky jazz with a special focus on flute in the context of groove and funk. The new album fuses old-school grooves with hints of pop and reggae elements, all the while referring to vintage keyboard and drum sounds. The result brings a new and refreshing mix to listeners but watch out because your feet might force you to get up and dance!”
Mattan Klein and Uria Mader (Photographer: Michael Pavia)
They continue, describing their relationship with Ubuntu Music: “This has been a cutting-edge platform for many diverse styles of music., It is a great privilege to be a part of this incredible Family, and to be able to present our musical creations to wider audiences. It’s rare to find such an open-minded and professionally dedicated group that puts the Arts as the primary objective. Only fantastic things can come out of such a collaboration. We are grateful and overjoyed.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Mattan and now Uria. These are wonderful, talented musicians who bring joy and energy to their music, which will make anyone with a heartbeat get up and enjoy.”
For further information, please contact:
Mattan Klein (Artist): mattanklein@hotmail.com
Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emmasarahperry@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
Ubuntu Music to Release Wandering Monster’s ‘Zenna’ Album
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)
Ubuntu Music Signs Pianist/Composer Matt Carter For Debut Album Release
Matt Carter Octet / Read Between The Lines
Release Date: 23rd July 2023
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0143
Matt Carter (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of Read Between The Lines, the debut album from pianist/composer Matt Carter, which will be available worldwide from 23rd July 2023.
Matt grew up in Exeter, England, and at the age of seven he was having classical piano lessons. He studied jazz piano at The Royal Academy of Music in London, and in 2021 graduated with first class honours. During that time Matt was involved in some incredible projects, including a big band project with Chris Potter and Dave Holland; a big band project playing the music of Steely Dan, featuring Hamish Stuart; a small band project run by Laurence Cottle; and a symphonic brass project run by Mike Lovett. He studied piano with Nikki Iles, Tom Cawley and Gwilym Simcock, and composition with Pete Churchill. Matt has performed with many of the UK's jazz scene's leading musicians including Gareth Lockrane, Dave O'Higgins, Alan Barnes and Byron Wallen.
Matt Carter (Photographer: Eddie Aidoo)
As a side man, Matt has performed, recorded, and toured with Joss Stone, Wet Wet Wet, Lack of Afro, Beverly Knight, Rosie Frater-Taylor and Mica Paris. He has played at venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express, Jazz Cafe, The Millennium Theatre and Cheltenham Town Hall, as well as live on ITV, BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Suffolk. He has played on recordings that have been featured on Jazz FM, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 and BBC Radio 3.
Read Between The Lines is Matt’s first studio album, and has been long in the making since the band’s conception. The music contains elements of many genres such as blues, bebop and folk, and Matt’s writing has been compared to that of Marty Paich. Underpinning it all, however, is the group’s collective, joyful and rhythmic energy. The octet is comprised of many of Matt's favourite musicians, as well as close friends. Most of them met whilst studying at The Royal Academy of Music and The Guildhall School of Music & Drama. As a rhythm section, Luke Tomlinson (drums), Joe Lee (double bass) and Matt have recorded together and performed as sidemen for numerous artists.
Concerning his debut album, Matt explains: “I’m grateful to every single one of the people that have been involved with this project. My main objective when recording the album was to capture as much of the raw energy that you get on a live gig as possible. I love writing for octet because there are so many options texturally. I love having the combination of tightly played arrangements/shout choruses to compliment the free flowing and spontaneous soloing.”
Matt Carter (Photographer: John Lyons)
Matt goes on to describe his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I've known about Ubuntu Music for a while now, and over the last few years the label has released some incredible music. I was very pleased when Martin (Hummel) agreed to work with me on the release, and I know he has a real passion for helping artists share their music with the world. Some of my good friends have already released albums under the Ubuntu label, including Rory Ingham and Joe Lee with Bonsai and Jacky Naylor with The Industrial Suite, so I knew already that it would be great to work with Martin on this project.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was impressed with Matt’s debut project from the very first note. There’s an infectious energy and enthusiasm in each and every track, all of which are carefully crafted and therefore reward the listener. This is a very special release, and we are delighted that Matt has joined the Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Matt Carter (Artist): mcarter101@hotmail.co.uk
Rupert Burley/Dynamic Agency (UK Publicity): rupert@dynamicagency.co.uk
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
Ubuntu Music to Release Wandering Monster’s ‘Zenna’ Album
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
Photographer: Alma Steiner
Ubuntu Music Signs Bassist Mark Lewandowski For Billie Holiday Project
Mark Lewandowski / A Bouquet (for Lady Day)
Release Date: 14th July 2023
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0146
Left to right: Liam Noble, Heidi Vogel, Mark Lewandowski (Photographer: Alex Bonney)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of bassist Mark Lewandowski’s latest project, A Bouquet (For Lady Day).
Mark, an award-winning New York City based bassist and composer, originally hails from Nottingham, England. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music in London and New York’s prestigious Juilliard School, he has earned the respect of his peers and elders alike as a creative, supportive, and individual sideman and bandleader.
Mark explains: “This album aims to concentrate on the beauty of Billie Holiday’s music and her life. Too often the focus is on the negative side and the pain that she felt during her short time in a cruel world. Her blues, however, I find both sweet and sorrowful. In Liam Noble I’ve found discovered a wonderful friend, collaborator and mentor who’s whose style is rich from his many diverse influences, whilst maintaining what I consider to be a truly unique individual voice. He’s an inspiration to me and I’m thrilled to have him play with me again following Waller, our 2017 treatment of historical music that examines the songbook of the great Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller.
Mark Lewandowski (Photographer: Alex Bonney)
“An additional special guest, vocalist Heidi Vogel, contributes on two of the tracks. Heidi has a wonderful way of singing songs without the smallest shadow of a doubt that she means the lyrics 100%. This feature of her voice reminds me greatly of Billie Holiday, although Heidi possesses her own signature sound and style which has been a pleasure to include on this project. I have carefully selected repertoire (from what is a humongous catalogue!) to highlight some of the key musical relationships in Holliday’s tragically short life. Her pianists, Teddy Wilson and Mal Waldron; song writing partnerships such as the one with misunderstood pianist Herbie Nichols; and who can forget her dearest and closest friend, Lester Young. We have also featured compositions of Billie’s to show the most personal side of her music (although she famously commented that she wasn’t able to sing even a standard song if she didn’t feel the lyrics) - ‘Billie’s Blues’ and ‘Left Alone’ purposefully feature Heidi on these wonderful Holliday originals”.
Liam Noble (Photographer: Alex Bonney)
Mark describes the challenging nature of the project: “I find playing duo with a pianist amongst the most challenging of line-ups, so I have aimed to explore ways of dealing with the level of space and intimacy that goes with this particular instrumentation. It’s forced me to improvise in a different way, trying to take the melodicism of her style and that of her contemporaries, and find my own way as a modern improvising musician - to convey the way her music makes me feel, attempting to avoid pastiche and nostalgia. I hate the words ‘tribute band’ and I have no intention of making this project fall under within that category. I’d see it more as personal reflection and commentary, that hopefully has that magical balance of being informed by the rich tradition of the source material, yet personal and current in its aesthetic. The messages we are trying to convey as we play this repertoire are coming from us, and it is important to us all that we are not merely regurgitating the music that we have selected. I believe I achieved this somewhat with the Waller record, so I’m hoping that the same can be said after this one is released. It’s been on my mind that this may be a developing artistic concept of mine - going back and forth between dealing with the great repertoire of the tradition and my own humble contributions as composer. In no way do I find them to be mutually exclusive.”
Mark shares his feelings concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I’m delighted to join the vibrant community of artists and the stellar team of Ubuntu Music. Throughout the whole process of arranging, recording and preparing this music for release, I’ve always had a good feeling in the back of my mind about how it would be to work with Martin (Hummel) and the label. I’m so very happy that this will be the case, and I’m proud to share our music with the public as part of their brilliant and varied catalogue. Ubuntu Music is a ‘music-first’ label, providing a safe and creative space for artists to express their ideas to their fullest. I am excited to begin what I hope will be a long and fruitful relationship with them.”
Mark Lewandowski and Liam Noble (Photographer: Alex Bonney)
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Mark is someone I’ve known since I started this label. He played a pivotal role on ‘The Chase’, saxophonist Leo Richardson’s first recording. And since then, I always wanted the opportunity to work with Mark. Quite simply, he is an exceptional talent and a deep-thinking artist with an abundance of creativity. London’s loss was New York City’s gain when Mark moved overseas to study at Julliard. However, we were ever so fortunate that Mark teamed up with the outstanding touch of pianist Liam Noble and the vocal gift of Heidi Vogel (who features on two other Ubuntu releases) to deliver a brilliant stunning album that interprets the repertoire of Billie Holiday. We are so proud to be a part of this project and over the moon to welcome Mark into the Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Mark Lewandowski (Artist & US/UK Publicity): marklewandowskibass@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
MARK LEWANDOWSKI BIOGRAPHY
Award winning New York City based bassist and composer Mark Lewandowski originally hails from Nottingham, England. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music in London and New York’s prestigious Juilliard School, he has earned the respect of his peers and elders alike as a creative, supportive and individual sideman and bandleader.
It was during these years at the Guildhall School that Mark began rapidly producing a strong name for himself as a fixture of the London jazz scene; playing regularly at the world famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, by only his second year in the capital. After graduating with a first class honors degree from the Guildhall School, Mark had the great honor of being awarded the Yamaha Jazz Award, which was presented to him by the UK Government at the Houses of Parliament. Following his study in London, Lewandowski also embarked on a period of intense private study with American master-bassist, Henry Grimes. While living in London, Mark became a frequent side- person with a diverse range of musicians both established and up-and-coming, including mainstays of the British jazz scene such as Sir John Dankworth, John Surman, Julian Joseph, Alan Skidmore, Bobby Wellins, Peter King, Zoe Rahman, Byron Wallen, Christine Tobin, Liam Noble, Jean Toussaint, Mark Lockheart, Julian Siegel, John Warren, Mark Sanders, Soweto Kinch and Paul Dunmall. He has performed in many of the U.K and Europe’s leading concert halls and clubs including The Barbican, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Queen Elizabeth Hall and Pizza Express Jazz Club.
Since relocating to New York City, Lewandowski’s performance credits include such luminaries as Joe Chambers, David Liebman, Lew Tabackin, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Wilson, Buddy Greco, The Mingus Big Band, Peter Bernstein, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Pelt, Billy Drummond, Javon Jackson, Mark Whitfield, Ed Cherry, Jon Faddis, Willie Jones III, Sullivan Fortner, Freddie Hendrix, Joe Magnarelli, Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Philip Harper, Nasheet Waits, Dayna Stephens, Mike Ledonne, Vic Juris, Frank Lacy, Rick Germanson, Sherman Irby, Joe Cohn, Joseph Farnsworth, David Hazeltine, Johnny O’Neal, Wayne Escoffery, Eric Alexander, Steve Nelson, Warren Wolf, Philip Harper, Sheila Jordan, JD Allen, Jeb Patton, Grant Stewart, Bruce Harris, Benny Green, Aaron Goldberg, Dave Kikoski and Jerry Weldon.
Lewandowski has also performed frequently as a member of Pulitzer Prize winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis’ quartet including performances in such esteemed venues and festivals as London’s Barbican Hall, Cheltenham Festival and The Institute of Peace, Washington D.C.
He has toured internationally in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America and is frequently found on many of New York City’s famed stages including Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, 55 Bar, Smalls, Mezzrow, Smoke and Minton’s Playhouse.
Mark’s work as a bandleader includes two releases - 2017 saw the release of Mark’s debut release ‘Waller’ on the Whirlwind Recordings label. This debut album solidified his reputation as a stellar bandleader and received rave reviews internationally. Featuring two of the most respected musicians on the European jazz circuit, pianist Liam Noble and drummer Paul Clarvis, Waller is an exploration of the music of one of the early innovators of the jazz genre, Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller. The album featured highly in critical polls ranking at Number 3 in Chris Phillips’ Jazz FM Charts.
2021 saw the highly successful release of Lewandowski’s second record as band leader, ‘Under One Sky’ which has attracted press attention and airplay internationally. Comprised of exclusively original material, the album features two of the young stars of the New York City jazz scene - award winning pianist, Addison Frei and Washington D.C born drummer Kush Abadey. Lewandowski’s unique and personal compositional style is at the foreground of this album which was described by the UK’s renowned critic, John Fordham (The Guardian, Jazzwise Magazine) as ‘a sublime confection on compositional class and individual improv skill’.
2022 Saw Lewandowski again on the international stage, as 1st prize winner of the prestigious UNISA International Jazz Strings Competition held in Pretoria, South Africa. In this 40th year of the competition’s existence, he was awarded the prize by South Africa’s former president, Thabo Mbeki. The Jury also awarded Mark 2 out of 3 of the competition’s special prizes - ‘Best Performance of a Ballad’ and ‘Best Performance of a Rhythm Changes’ respectively.
Other career highlights include his 2015 commission by the EFG London Jazz Festival, reimagining the music of one of his great influences, Charles Mingus; performing as special guest soloist in Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Hall as part of Igor Butman’s Future of Jazz Festival; leading his trio at the 2018 Rochester International Jazz Festival as part of the ‘Made in the UK series; work for the British Arts Council in the Middle East, and two successful trips to Shanghai, China as a ‘Cultural Ambassador’ for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Mark Lewandowski’s multiple recording credits occupy a diverse range of the jazz genre, ranging from such major artists as American cult composer and saxophonist John Zorn (with whom Mark is featured on his Tzadik release ‘The Book of Beriah’) to closer to home in the U.K with the Leo Richardson Quartet, who’s record ‘The Chase’ was selected as one of the Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Albums of the Year’ in all genres.
Upcoming releases include a record for Blue Note Records, led by master drummer / percussionist / composer, Joe Chambers. And a highly anticipated duo recording under Lewandowski’s own name. ‘Waller’ collaborator, Liam Noble, joins Mark again in an imaginative reimagining of music associated with Billie Holiday. Featuring U.K vocalist Heidi Vogel, the album ‘A Bouquet (For Lady Day)’ will be released in 2023.
As an educator, Lewandowski is on the faculty of the renowned Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz Studies at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. He has also had experience teaching in a number of major institutions including Torino Conservatory (Italy), Birmingham Conservatoire (U.K) and his position as ‘Professor of Bass Studies’ at the prestigious Hampton School. Mark has lead workshops in cultural exchange visits to China in-front of 2000 elementary school children. He also has worked for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People and Essentially Ellington programs in and around New York City.
Ubuntu Music Signs Composer Paul Mottram for Release of Epic Project ft. Tim Garland & Jason Rebello
Paul Mottram / Seven Ages of Man
Release Date: 6th October 2023
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0140
Paul Mottram (Photographer: Julian Hubbard)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of composer Paul Mottram, for the release of a major project that blends jazz and classical music within a fascinating project concept.
Seven Ages of Man is a large-scale concert work scored for Jazz Sextet and String Orchestra which weaves jazz improvisation and grooves within a tight thematically developed classical structure. Organised by the ‘Seven Ages of Man’ concept from medieval art and literature, it forms an atmospheric personal reflection on the stages of a single human life cycle, taking cues from Shakespeare’s description of life in terms of characters from a play: Infant, Schoolboy, Lover, Soldier, Judge, Pantaloon and the Second Childhood of Old Age.
Abbey Road / Studio 1, London
The large string section projects a real sense of scale and emotional depth to the piece both supporting and integrated with the Jazz Sextet.
The work was written for acclaimed jazz musician and long-standing friend Tim Garland (soprano/tenor sax and bass clarinet) who performs as the principal soloist, and it alsofeatures Jason Rebello on piano and Jonny Mansfield on vibraphone.
Tim Garland
Paul describes how he conceived the highly ambitious project: “Writing ‘Seven Ages of Man’ was an incredible opportunity to bring together all the strands of my musical persona. I could draw on my background as a classical musician steeped in Jazz, fused with a media composer’s ear for conveying the emotions of a story through music. It’s always been an ambition of mine to write a classically structured long form jazz composition for Tim Garland, who’s been a friend and an inspiration since we met at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in the 80s. It’s been a privilege to assemble such a distinguished band of musicians with Jason Rebello (piano) and Jonny Mansfield (vibraphone) also taking soloing roles. Ralph Salmins (drums), Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass) and Paul Clarvis (percussion) complete the Jazz Sextet. I didn’t compromise either with the size of the string orchestra line up, contracted by Isobel Griffiths, and that with recording in the wonderful acoustic of Abbey Road Studio 1 gives the whole album a real sense of scale, something I was after from the outset.”
Tim Garland and Paul Mottram
Paul continues, describing the relationship with his new record label: “In Ubuntu Music, it feels great to have found such an excellent and welcoming home for the ‘Seven Ages of Man’ album. The hybrid musical style of the piece is hard to quantify in the classical/ jazz spectrum but at its’ core the principal soloists of the piece are jazz musicians of the highest order and that sits well with the fine roster of talent on the label. The stylistic breadth of the catalogue also leads me to believe that ‘Seven Ages’ will fit right in with the broad ‘no boundaries’ vision that Martin Hummel has for Ubuntu.”
Paul Mottram
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, gives his parting thoughts: “I was absolutely blown away by the scale, the quality and the inherent appeal of this project, in every single aspect - from the concept, to the compositions, to the musicians, to the quality of the recording itself. Paul is meticulous in his craftsmanship, paying considerable attention to each and every detail. And it’s clearly evident in the end result. Having world class musicians like Tim Garland and Jason Rebello, personal heroes of mine, makes this project even more special. This is a genre-defining release that’s certain to reward both classical and jazz fans alike. We cannot wait to ultimately bring this project to live audiences, whenever and wherever possible. It’s a pleasure to be a part of something so special, and to welcome Paul, the outstanding musicians in the sextet and the exceptional string orchestra into the Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Paul Mottram (Artist): paul@paulmottram.com
Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emmasarahperry@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
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PAUL MOTTRAM BIOGRAPHY
Paul Mottram has forged an extremely successful career as one of the most prolific and versatile media composers in the UK, with an enviable back catalogue of compositions. His ability to cut to the emotional heart of the subject matter with a sophisticated melodic multi-layered compositional style has also enabled him to deliver concert music which resonates deeply with the audience.
Classically trained as a violinist, pianist and composer at the Royal College of Music, Cambridge University and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Paul quickly began working as an orchestrator on films such as Chaplin, Shirley Valentine and Rain Man. Later, moving into commercials, he also started writing music for BBC radio 4 shows in the 90s, such as In the Red and Babblewick Hall, and television, with the hit spoof documentary series People Like Us (1999).
As one of the founder composers at production music library Audio Network in the early 2000s, Paul began producing a prodigious line of albums which continues to this day (his latest album, Intimate Canvas, came out on streaming platforms in February 2023). You would be hard pressed to watch an evening’s television without hearing his compositions, featured in 100s of shows such as The Great British Bake Off, The Apprentice, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, The Crown, QI, Big Mouth, Travel Man and Upstart Crow. His music has also been featured in films such as Bad Santa and The Bee Movie and cinematic trailers such as for the Oscar winning film, Blue Jasmine.
A fascination with Jazz has always had a major impact on Paul’s concert music output. Over the years he has written for musicians such as The Swingle Singers, The Underground Orchestra, Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, Superbrass and the Dunedin Consort. Moccasin Trail was written for saxophonist John Harle’s band and features on ‘The John Harle Collection: Vol 15’ and a saxophone/ piano version was premiered by John at a Wigmore Hall recital broadcast on BBC Radio 3. In 2015, the song cycle Falls, (initially commissioned and performed by the Dunedin Consort) was performed at the Snape Maltings by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and his Gospel Jazz composition for choir with rhythm section Come Spirit was premiered by the Chapter House Choir in York Minster.
Seven Ages of Man, a new 70-minute suite and album written for world class jazz musicians Tim Garland and Jason Rebello, is Paul’s biggest and most ambitious work yet and a remarkable synthesis of his classical, jazz and media music roots. Writing to his own brief, the work has enabled him to explore the intersection between his musical worlds and write something on a grander and more profound scale.