Chris Searle interviews Simon Paterson and Tony Kofi on the release of the album Sharp Little Bones
REVIEW: Sharp Little Bones
Jazz Journal’ Barry Witherdon writes, “Producing a double album from a single session of mainly first takes might be expected to result in the inclusion of some relatively lightweight and inessential material, but for my 10 cents there is nothing here that is disposable. Either disc would have made an entirely satisfying album.”
Ubuntu Music Signs Sharp Little Bones ft. Tony Kofi For Debut Release
Sharp Little Bones / Volumes I & II
Release Date: 12th May 2023
CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats / UBU0138
Left to right: Andrew Wood, Tony Kofi, Simon Paterson, Paul Deats (Photographer: Martin Makowski)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the Nottingham-based trio, Sharp Little Bones, featuring saxophonist Tony Kofi, for the release of their blockbuster debut album, Volumes I & II, on 12th May 2023.
Simon Paterson (basses), Paul Deats (keyboards) and Andrew Wood (drums) are the core trio and are joined by MOBO-nominated, multi-BBC Jazz and Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner Tony Kofi. Together, they perform brand-new compositions that are tight, energetic, catchy, and melodic. Their sound has fresh, contemporary appeal: live acoustic forces rooted in bebop and blues, embellished with tasteful electronics and warm, analogue synth textures.
Sharp Little Bones (Volumes I & II) was recorded high on the buzz from their sell-out shows and during the hottest two days of summer 2022 at Metronome, Nottingham. The double album of entirely new, exciting music captures the energy, virtuosity, and soul of the house trio of Peggy's Skylight (a multi-award-winning jazz venue). Throughout the album, the compositions reach deep within and far outside the jazz canon. There are catchy, energetic tracks, beautiful bass-led melodies, spacious ballads, spiritual and expansive atmospheres, hard swingers, and groove-led pieces full of vibe. Within well-crafted, melodic writing and tight, rhythmical arrangements there’s freedom for expressive solos and group-led improvisation.
Left to right: Andrew Wood, Paul Deats, Tony Kofi, Simon Paterson (Photographer: Martin Makowski)
Simon Paterson explains: "We hunkered down and hit the ground, recording a double album in just nine hours. We were having such a blast, really listening to, reacting to, inspiring each other, and having meaningful musical conversations. Everything sounded so great in the studio, we just let it rip, track after track, so what you're hearing is all live and mostly single takes. I'm super excited to get this album, and our live show, out there in 2023."
Simon continues, sharing his background as a musician: “I've been a professional electric and upright bassist for some years but didn't follow the traditional path into jazz performance. As an undergraduate, I majored in classical music composition before studying sound engineering and production. I've written music for TV, adverts, short films, plays, cartoons, and songs for many years. I love melody, and I knew the music I wanted to write and perform had to be melodic, accessible, and soulful. After all, these were the things that attracted me to jazz in the first place. I'm also a music technologist, so I'm interested in exploring ways to use technology to enhance musical performances and connect to audiences in subtle but innovative ways.
“We love playing standards, and it's a privilege to help keep that tradition alive. Still, to be playing to audiences who really enjoy the experience of hearing new music has been a dream and an inspiration.
Left to right: Paul Deats, Simon Paterson, Tony Kofi, Andrew Wood (Photographer: Martin Makowski)
“I am indebted to Paul Deats (piano, electric piano and synth) and Andrew Wood (drums), with whom I've played for years. We're the house band at Peggy's Skylight in Nottingham so we've played with some amazing musicians over the years. It was a no-brainer hooking up with these guys for this project. We play together so intuitively and arranging these new pieces together has been such a pleasure.
“I first played with Tony Kofi at a jam in Nottingham, just as I was starting out as a bassist. I don't remember what we played, and I dread to think about where my jazz chops were at that time. Still, I'll never forget the vibe: it was palpable, and I've been chasing that feeling ever since.
“I put on a concert for Black History Month in 2020, which gave me an opportunity to work with Tony again. It was so wonderful to share a stage with him, to witness the spirit he embodies and feel the energy he consistently brings. I dared to ask him if he'd be a part of my new band and was totally overjoyed when he agreed.”
Left to right: Andrew Wood, Tony Kofi, Simon Paterson, Paul Deats (Photographer: Martin Makowski)
Simon describes the new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I was delighted to be introduced to Martin (Hummel) at Ubuntu, not least because, as a fellow fan and supporter of jazz, I've followed the upwards trajectory of Ubuntu for some time. Their Best of 2022 CD was the only CD in my car pretty much all summer! They've earned their place in the UK jazz establishment by championing a diverse range of artists and have an admirable business model that focuses on music.
“That very word 'Ubuntu' conjures up a philosophy that aligns completely with my values as a human being and world citizen. So, to work with someone who demonstrably embodies those qualities of humanity and world vision was obviously an attractive proposition.
“Subsequently, the more I got to know Martin, the more convinced I became that I needn't follow up with any other label; I am over the moon that Sharp Little Bones now shares a home with such an incredible roster of top draw artists and one that will nurture us as we create new music, connecting us to a growing and receptive audience.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was first introduced to Simon through Tony Kofi, a dear friend, and an amazing talent. Tony featured on Alina Bzhezhinska’s Ubuntu release back in 2018, so I had a sense of what to expect with this project…and I wasn’t in any way disappointed. Sharp Little Bones and Tony blend together naturally and seamlessly, playing off each other with energy, creativity, whilst having mutual respect. You can hear and feel the absolute joy this recording captures from that session. It's a pleasure to be working with Simon and the band. We’re very excited to bring this expansive project to the jazz listening world. Welcome to the Family!”
For further information, please contact:
Simon Paterson (Artist & UK Publicity): simon.jtp@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
WEBSITES
https://simonpaterson.com/sharp-little-bones/
https://www.weareubuntumusic.com/
https://www.ubuntumanagementgroup.com/
BAND BIOGRAPGIES
MOBO-nominated, multi-BBC Jazz and Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner Tony Kofi joins Simon Paterson (basses), Paul Deats (keyboards) and Andrew Wood (drums) to perform brand-new compositions that are tight, energetic, catchy, and melodic. Their sound has a fresh, contemporary appeal: live acoustic forces rooted in the bebop tradition are embellished with tasteful electronics and warm, analogue synth textures.
Tony Kofi
"Passionate… superb… heartfelt" The Guardian
"There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi." Jazzwise
Simon Paterson
"Pens a superior blend of material which often hints at jazz and world-music influences" Sam Inglis, Editor in Chief of Sound on Sound
"Paterson's playing on several instruments is deft" Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal.
Paul Deats
"A powerful and intense player…lyrical and thoughtful"
Paul is also the co-founder of Peggy's Skylight Jazz Club in Nottingham.
Andrew Wood
Andrew ‘Woody’ Wood is a professional musician based in Nottingham, UK and is one of the most in-demand live and studio drummers in the East Midlands.