Ubuntu Music to Release Sax Titan Paul Booth’s Next Album: 44

Paul Booth / 44

15th April 2022

CD & Digital Formats / UBU0112

Paul Booth (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the extension of its relationship with Paul Booth, the wonderfully talented saxophonist, for the release of his next album, aptly titled 44, on 15th April 2022 (his birthday).

From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists.

Paul’s ability to blend into any musical surrounding coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform with many well-known artists. Paul has toured, performed & recorded around the world with The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Barry Manilow, Warren Haynes, Marti Pellow, Derek Trucks, Eddie Henderson, Geoffrey Keezer, Clarence Penn and Ingrid Jensen. He has worked with Incognito, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band, Michael Janisch Quintet, the Ryan Quigley Quintet and so many more.

Paul Booth (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)

For his next release, Paul celebrates his 44 years on mother earth with the aggregation of two stellar quartets (hence the number 44) in featuring primarily Paul’s own compositions. Paul explains:

“Following on from my album ‘Trilateral’, recorded when I was 33 years old, 11 years later I thought ‘why not carry on with a theme’. My good friend Andrew Bain (also one of the drummers on this album) suggested recording a double quartet album, with both quartets playing at the same time.”

In terms of shaping the music for the album, Paul elaborates:

“I loved the challenge of writing for this double quartet, especially when it came to figuring out how I was going to use two bass players. We recorded five originals, two freely improvised pieces which in my opinion really show how these exceptional musicians listen to one another and finally a new take on Miles’ ‘Four’. In choosing the musicians who appear on this album, I wanted to have a combination of some of my long-standing friends/collaborators and some of the younger musicians from the UK jazz scene who have really impressed me. I’m extremely proud of this whole ensemble and the music we created in one afternoon and ‘live’ in one room.”

The double-quartet line-up consists of a broad, impressive array of top-notch musicians:

This project marks the continuation of the tremendously successful partnership between Paul and his record label, Ubuntu Music:

“This is my second solo album on Ubuntu and once again Martin has given his unwavering support and enthusiasm to the music we created. Since my first release 'Travel Sketches’ we have really bonded not only musically but as friends. We often share ideas and advice and this is exactly the kind of relationship with a label all musicians need. Although ’44’ will be my second solo album on Ubuntu, it’s actually the 5th album I’ve produced or co-produced on the label, including TRYPL and two Secret Sessions albums, ‘Fragile Eagle’ & ‘Hoop’. Long may this partnership continue.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “Paul is that one in a million individual who possesses immense talent and boundless energy to consistently deliver world class music and spellbinding live performances. Over time, our relationship has steadily grown from strength to strength, professionally and personally. It is both a privilege and an absolute joy to be associated with such an exceptional artist and all-round good guy. May it continue to infinity and beyond!”

REVIEW: Secret Sessions Presents / 'Hoop'

The Jazz Rag’s Russell Corbett praises the horn section, led by Paul Booth.

LIVE REVIEW: The 2021 EFG London Jazz Festival in short reviews BYLONDONJAZZ

Several Ubuntu artists were top picks of the feastival.

Paul Booth’s HOOP at the Spicejazz: The festival finale at SpiceJazz Soho was a scorcher! This high-calibre septet, HOOP (Ubuntu Records) was led by saxophonist, Paul Booth – the line-up speaking for itself: trumpeter Tom Walsh; trombonist Nicol Thomson; guitarist Chris Allard, keyboardist Ross Stanley plus the unbeatable rhythm team of bassist Laurence Cottle and drummer Ian Thomas, purveyed good humour, inspired blowing and tightest of arrangements. (Paul Pace – Music Manager, Spicejazz)

Quentin Collins Sextet (minus Quentin due to illness) at SpiceJazz Soho: Monday night at Spice Jazz, Soho was one of those rare gigs that will stay with me for a long time. A roll call of London’s finest led by Tony Kofi and Leo Richardson (with Deschanel Gordon, Larry Bartley and Winston Clifford), the band played a last-minute show, re-configured at short notice into a tribute to Cannonball, Coltrane & Monk, as if their lives depended on every note. Blindingly energetic and full of joy – I’m still buzzing! (Tara Minton)

REVIEW: Secret Sessions Presents "Hoop'

BBC Music Magazine’s Garry Booth writes, “it burns with the bright energy and intensity you want from the genre.”

LIVE REVIEW: Bansangu Orchestra at the Spice of Life (EFG LJF 2021)

LondonJazz New’s Sebastian Scotney writes, “this band plays it from the heart and with the defiant swagger it needs. Glorious.”

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

VIDEO FEATURE: Secret Sessions Presents Hoop - 'Sinterval' Video

Jazzwise selests Hoop for Video of The Day.

VIDEO OF THE DAY: SECRET SESSIONS PERFORM

THEIR TRACK ‘SINTERVAL’ FROM

THE NEW 'HOOP' ALBUM

For the full article, please click on the image, above.

FEATURE: Hoop on Jazzed

The portal highlights the stalwarts of the London jazz scene.

REVIEW: Secret Sessions Presents 'Hoop'

Bebop Spoken Here’s lance Liddle writes, “A cooking rhythm section and a few guests dotted around made for a successful project - bring on number 3!”

Ubuntu Music to Release Second Secret Sessions Album

Secret Sessions Presents Hoop

5th November 2021

UBU0092

CD, Digital & Vinyl Formats

Left to right: Laurence Cottle, Chris Allard, Nichol Thomson, Paul Booth, Ian Thomas, Tom Walsh (Photographer: Tim Bray)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce its continuing relationship with the Secret Sessions series, for the worldwide release of Hoop on 5th November 2021.

Sax stalwart Paul Booth is the curator of the Secret Sessions project, which is an outlet for new music that is created, played, and ultimately recorded by grouping like-minded artists and friends together. It works like this…Paul carefully selects a range of highly talented musicians who turn up to the recording studio, only knowing the instrumentation of the music but not knowing who they will be recording with. The result is a dynamic cocktail of spontaneous, exciting, and highly rewarding music.

As Paul explains it, “The response has been staggering and proved just how passionate everyone is about making new music. I sifted through the top musicians available and picked a band utilising trumpet/trombone/tenor sax/piano/bass/drums. It dawned on me that it could be fun to keep them in the dark about who they were going to be recording with on the day…and ‘Secret Sessions’ was born. The only information they had was instrumentation, to aid them in their arrangements and what time and where they needed to be. We began the series with ‘Fragile Eagle’ and had a blast. Now we are onto our second release, ‘Hoop’, with an entirely different set musicians and we are absolutely delighted with the results of this ‘album in an afternoon’ session. We did some post-production work on the tracks, with additional instrumentation added later. However, the core of the music was seven people in a studio playing ‘live’. The music is vastly different from the first ‘Secret Sessions’ release and is reminiscent of the fusion/jazz funk/jazz rock era.”

The core band is as good as it gets: Tom Walsh (trumpet), Nichol Thomson (trombone), Paul Booth (tenor sax & bass clarinet), Chris Allard (guitars), Laurence Cottle (electric bass) and Ian Thomas (drums). They are joined on a handful of tracks by Steve Hamilton (keys), Miles Bould (percussion) and Ross Stanley (Hammond organ).

Left to right: Chris Allard, Nichol Thomson, Tom Walsh, Paul Booth, Laurence Cottle, Ian Thomas (video images).

Tom Walsh describes the project: “The germination of this album came from the core of the band wanting to explore some original music off the back of touring with various pop/rock artists. Having worked together in multiple musical line-ups as sidemen for multiple bandleaders, it made sense to come together and create some music under our own combined leadership! A lot of the players in this outfit are known for their work as top London session players but wanted to revisit their jazz and improvisational roots. ‘Hoop’ presents an album of synth-tinged fusion coming from a group of contemporary jazz musicians with wide musical influences and experiences. Expect everything from powerful horn-led prog rock elements all the way through to gutsy, soulful ballad and blues playing.”

Chris Allard continues: “It has been a huge pleasure and privilege for me to be a part of this album. Paul Booth is an immensely creative and productive force, and his open-minded, generous, and collaborative approach has led to this diverse and exciting recording. I had worked with and been rather awed by the immense talents and reputations of all the musicians involved, but had not recorded with them all, and certainly not together and in such an open, collaborative, and creative project. It has been a very positive and rewarding experience for me and listening back to the recording is deeply gratifying.”

Concerning their partnership with Ubuntu Music, each gave their view:

Tom Walsh--"It’s fantastic to be working with Martin (Hummel) and Ubuntu. As a huge supporter of genre-diverse contemporary music on this scene, there’s no-one we’d feel more at home with, in terms of understanding the music we’re creating, and we look forward to being on the same roster as a lot of our favourite players and colleagues.”

Chris Allard--"I’m thrilled to be involved with Ubuntu Music. I’ve been aware of Ubuntu since its inception, have admired its excellent work ever since, and been delighted to see how successful, prolific, and respected it has become. I find the range of music released by Ubuntu--though stylistically diverse--without exception shares the qualities of integrity, high level musicianship and artistry.”

Paul Booth--“On a personal note I feel privileged and thankful that Martin Hummel (Ubuntu) and Paul Pace (Spice of Life) jumped onboard this project with such fire and enthusiasm. This means a lot to each of these sessions as there is an outlet not only for our recorded music but also to play live.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, summed things up: “This is the quintessential Who’s Who in UK jazz, with substantial international credentials. All of these guys have played with the biggest names in music…period. For Boothy to assemble this crew, who played their hearts out for the love of the music, this is about as good as it gets. The Ubuntu Music Family welcomes Hoop with arms wide open.”

For further information, please contact:

Emma Perry (Publicity):                                             emmasarahperry@gmail.com

Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide):           martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com

BIOGRAPHIES

(Photographer Monika S Jakubowska)

Paul Booth (saxes)

From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul Booth has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists.

He won a place at the Royal Academy of Music in 1993 at the age of 16, becoming their youngest student on a degree course. That year Paul also won the 'Best Modern Jazz Player’ category at the televised Young Jazz Player of the Year. One day, Paul received the call from the legendary Steve Winwood, and he’s been working with Steve ever since. Paul’s ability to blend into any musical surrounding coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform with many well-known artists. Paul has toured, performed and recorded around the world with The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Barry Manilow, Warren Haynes, Marti Pellow, Derek Trucks, Eddie Henderson, Geoffrey Keezer, Clarence Penn and Ingrid Jensen.

(Photographer: Paul Booth)

Tom Walsh (trumpet)

Tom is based in London, where he graduated from the Jazz Course at the Royal Academy of Music with 1st Class Honours. In his first year at college, Tom was the inaugural recipient of the Humphrey Lyttelton Jazz Prize, an award for outstanding jazz performance.

Shortly after graduating, in 2013 Tom was appointed the lead trumpet chair in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. He has worked with international jazz luminaries such as Benny Golson, Branford Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Bob Mintzer and Mike Stern. Tom has also played with a number of the UK's top big bands including The BBC Big Band, The Stan Sulzmann Neon Orchestra, The Laurence Cottle Big Band, The Gareth Lockrane Big Band, The Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, NYJO and The Mark Nightingale Big Band. In the pop and commercial music world, Tom has played and recorded with the likes of Van Morrison, Blur, Mark Knopfler, Jessie J, Gary Barlow and Shirley Bassey.

(Photographer: Paul Booth)

Nichol Thomson (trombone)

Nichol is a highly sought-after trombonist. His list of who he has worked with proves the point. He's played with major artists and bands including Incognito, Tom Jones, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, Grace Jones, Paloma Faith, Omar, Groovejam, Moloko, Duffy, Beverley Knight, Hope Collective, Mutya Buena, Sugababes, Sharleen Spiteri, Boyzone, Brand New Heavies, Olly Murs, INXS, Mel C, Jamie Cullum, Annie Lennox, The Drifters... the list goes on. 

(Photographer: Paul Booth)

Chris Allard (guitars)

Chris is regarded as one of the UK's finest contemporary jazz guitarists/composers. He has performed and recorded with Jacqui Dankworth, Gwilym Simcock, Omar Kamal, Charlie Wood, the BBC Big Band, and Jamie Cullum, amongst others.

He has performed around the world at prestigious places including the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Royal Albert Hall, the Pyramids, the O2 Arena, Ronnie Scott’s, and to huge audiences such as at the BBC Proms in Hyde Park to over 42,000 people.

Chris has recorded in iconic studios including Abbey Road, Maida Vale, Pinewood and Angel Studios, and has played live on television and radio many times. He is also a Professor of Jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

(Photographer: Paul Booth)

Laurence Cottle (electric bass)

Laurence has played jazz with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, Peter Erskine and the Buddy Rich Big Band and rocked with Black Sabbath, Ian Gillan, Cozy Powell and Ginger Baker. A consummate performer and studio musician, he has recorded several albums under his own name and has led his own big band since 1998. He still continues to perform and record with some of the biggest names in entertainment across a myriad of musical styles. The bassist of choice for many, Laurence has recorded with Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Gary Moore, Brian Eno, Mike Oldfield and Procol Harum. He’s played with Bill Bruford’s Earthworks and Pee Wee Ellis’s Funk Assembly and is a regular part of Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. His jazz credentials are impeccable, including work with the likes of Jim Mullen, Django Bates, Gary Husband, Jason Rebello and Tim Garland. He is a remarkable musician with an international reputation. It is fair to say that he is one of the finest electric bass players ever to come out of the UK.

(Photographer: Paul Booth)

Ian Thomas (drums)

Over his career, Ian Thomas has worked in almost every musical style playing everywhere from basement jazz clubs to Madison Square Garden and has recorded with some of the most successful artists in the world. He was asked to play on his first major session in 1987. The track was Kissing a Fool by George Michael for the album Faith. His next major break was being asked to tour with Seal in 1990 and did so for two years playing live and recording.

Since then, Ian has gone on to tour with artists such as Mike Oldfield, Tom Jones, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler and his recording career has included albums with Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson, BB King and Chrissie Hynde to name but a few.

FEATURE: Paul Booth

The sax man speaks to Jazz Journal. “Paul Booth: ‘What matters is whether it’s good or not.”

Pragmatic all-rounder Paul Booth has been moved by or moved among Stan Getz, Ben Webster, Riverdance and Steve Winwood. His latest record focuses on upbeat salsa - from a jazz point of view, naturally.

For the full feature, please click on the image, above.