“Bebop? Hard Bop? I'd call it TODAY BOP - capitals intentional!”
O'Higgins & Luft share video for ‘Giant Steps GTI’
The stellar sax/guitar collaborators return with a souped up take on the Coltrane classic
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Ubuntu Music Announces Judith & Dave O’Higgins EP Release
His‘n’Hers / Omicron
Release Date: 14th October 2022
Digital Format / UBU0114
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the second release from Judith and Dave O’Higgins with a digital EP that features the ‘His’n’Hers frontline tenor saxes doing battle in straight-ahead, full-on jazz. Omicron consists of three ‘bonus’ tracks which follow their highly successful debut album from 2020.
His’n’Hers affectionately pits Mr & Mrs O’Higgins against each other as in the movie, Mr & Mrs Smith. In reality, this is a swinging “tough tenors” band in the good humoured tradition of the great Johnny Griffin - Eddie Lockjaw Davis group, who made nine albums together between 1960 and 1962. But what Griffin and Davis did together was not a competition, however apparently combative. It was collaboration, mutual inspiration and special because of both the similarity and contrast of the two protagonists.
Judith and Dave O’Higgins (photography: Imageplotter)
Judith and Dave describe the project: “The debut album was created days before the first lockdown, and the EP is a bookend, hence the aptness of ‘Omicron’. We were always working on expanding our repertoire and wrote the song ‘Calypso Collapso’ in this period. ‘Mister Magic’ was a playful suggestion that just seemed to work out. We can’t wait to get out on the road with this stuff!”
The recording was made with a “new meets old” aesthetic: inspired by the 50s and 60s Rudy Van Gelder recordings in terms of transparency and natural fidelity, but also with a nod to contemporary sonic developments. The O’Higgins have been on a mission for over 10 years to create a jazz friendly, ribbon mics, spill-and-all recording environment and JVG Studio gets better all the time.
Judith and Dave O’Higgins (photography: Imageplotter)
Concerning their ongoing relationship with Ubuntu Music, the couple commented, saying, “It’s great to know Martin Hummel is always on your team, and it’s exciting to be a part of this continued relationship with the ever growing and eclectic label that is Ubuntu.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music concludes: “We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Judith and Dave. Their eponymous debut album was a runaway success and ‘Omicron’ is the logical extension to this. It’s a joy to have His’n’Hers as a part of the Ubuntu Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Dave O’Higgins ohig@mac.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
BIOGRAPHIES
Judith O’Higgins was born in Hilden, Germany. She studied medicine and music education in Münster, finished university in Hamburg and became a forensic pathologist. She now lives in London with Dave. Her German autobiography/popular science book, “Spuren des Todes”, was published by Fischer Verlag in 2013.
Although Judith became a forensic pathologist, she continued playing the saxophone to a high standard and her CV includes Matthew Herbert Big Band, Two Minds Big Band, and Barnes/O’Higgins and the Sax Section. Judith also produced and played on the critically acclaimed Abstract Truth Big Band recording which was made under the direction of Jörg Achim Keller at the famous Abbey Road Studio in 2015.
Five years after this hugely ambitious project and with COVID-19 lockdown looming, a recording session was organised for their debut album, just in time before the scene froze.
Judith has a strong tenor sound that evokes the spirit of Dexter Gordon and Clifford Jordan and steps up this time as a featured soloist and composer in this group. She and Dave have written two new originals and play one “greatest hits” from their two-tenor book, honed over a few years of gigs with different rhythm sections. They are joined by the super swinging dream team trio of Graham Harvey (piano), Jeremy Brown (bass) and Josh Morrison (drums).
Dave O’Higgins now has 22 albums as leader to his credit. His sax sounds are highly personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure. A popular performer with the public, with an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. He has relentlessly pursued artistic exploration and development with a deep respect for the tradition of the music.
Dave is also a highly regarded educator at the London College of Contemporary Media, where he is the Jazz Pathway Leader.
Dave has worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, including Joey Calderazzo, Joe Locke, Dave Kikoski, Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart, Max Ionata, Phil Dwyer, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Kurt Elling, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, Billy Childs, Abdullah Ibrahim, Chico Chagas and Stephane Grappelli. He also wrote and produced the last Matt Bianco album, “Gravity”. While his jazz career was in its early stages, Dave cut his teeth as a sideman with Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. Dave is currently playing with His’n’Hers, O’Higgins & Luft, Harvey / O’Higgins Project, Darius Brubeck Quartet, Brubecks Play Brubeck, Matt Bianco and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra.
Ubuntu Music Announces The Release of Dave O’Higgins & Rob Luft’s Second Album
O’Higgins & Luft / Pluto
Release date: 4th November 2022
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0126
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of Pluto, from the exceptionally talented pairing of O’Higgins & Luft, on 4th November 2022.
Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins and guitarist Rob Luft present their second co-led recording, three years after “O’Higgins & Luft Play Monk & Trane”. Where the first album clearly did what it says on the tin, Pluto, as the title suggests, comes from another place. Seven of the nine songs are original compositions by each band leader, and the remaining two pieces are Monk and Coltrane hits that evolved naturally on the road during a 50 date European tour in 2019.
Dave O’Higgins and Rob Luft (Photographer: Judith O’Higgins)
The sonority has changed a little, too, as the Hammond organ of the first album is replaced with acoustic piano and double bass. This is straight-ahead modern jazz in the African-American tradition, clearly coming from the Monk and Trane lineage, but not bound to emulating it. You will hear Luft easily morphing Wes Montgomery with Bill Frisell, his own trademark soundscapes and worldly influences, while O’Higgins’ emotive melodies evoke Dexter, Trane, Joe Henderson and Brecker, with a melodic logic of his own.
In addition to these extremely talented co-leaders, the band includes an all-star line-up consisting of:
Ross Stanley / piano
Misha Mullov-Abbado / bass
Rod Youngs / drums
Rob and Dave describe the latest project in their own words. Rob begins: "I'm so happy to be working with the great Dave O'Higgins on this second collaborative effort. Whilst the banner of O'Higgins & Luft might somewhat resemble the name of a lawyer's firm, it actually represents an incredibly fruitful artistic collaboration over the past five years! Working with Dave has helped me remain firmly grounded to the swinging roots of jazz, with our frontline blend of tenor sax and guitar clearly coming out of the hard-bop tradition, echoing the sound-world of Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane, Grant Green & Joe Henderson, or George Benson & Stanley Turrentine."
And Dave continues: "The second collaboration with Rob was a very natural progression from the ‘Plays Monk & Trane’ album. We wanted to make our own compositional mark, whilst maintaining the straight-ahead orientation, and drawing from our extensive 2019 touring experience together with 50 shows. The process was incredibly quick, easy and natural once we’d got our dates aligned!"
Left to right: Rob Luft, Rod Youngs, Dave O’Higgins (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)
Concerning their continued relationship with Ubuntu Music, Rob shares his perspective: "Working with the team at Ubuntu Music is always a joy and a total privilege for me. I've been involved both as a sideman and a leader over the past few years with this label, and it now feels like a kind of extended family to me! I can only offer my gratitude to Martin for believing so resolutely in our music."
And Dave picks up where Rob left off: "It’s always a pleasure to do a project with Martin for Ubuntu. When I call him up he always says, “yes, that sounds great, let’s do it!”, so I hope to repay the faith! The Ubuntu roster is a nice eclectic place to be. I’m very proud to be on the label."
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “What can I possibly say about these two guys that hasn’t been said before? Each is at the pinnacle of his respective professional career. The rhythm section is as good as it gets. You put this all together and you have an unbeatable collection of musicians who have deep respect for the jazz masters, but which is expressed in their own distinctive voices. ‘Pluto’ an irresistible audio cocktail for the senses. We are absolutely honoured to have Dave and Rob continue within our Ubuntu Music Family.”
For further information, please contact:
Dave O’Higgins (Artist) ohig@mac.com
Rob Luft (Artist) rob.jazz@live.com
Emma Perry (UK Publicity) emmasarahperry@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
BIOGRAPHIES
Dave O’Higgins
Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins 24th album as leader Pluto (Ubuntu 2022) is just about to be released. The last Ubuntu release That’s the Way to Live (2021) has had great reviews in the Observer, Jazzwise, BBC Magazine and many online jazz sites. In 2017 It’s Always 9:30 in Zog was nominated for best CD (British Jazz Awards) and Dave for best tenor saxophonist. O’Higgins & Luft were nominated for best band in 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
Dave serves on the faculty at the London College of Contemporary Media. He currently performs with the Harvey / O’Higgins Project, O’Higgins & Luft, Darius Brubeck Quartet, and the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. In addition, Dave worked with Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Joey Calderazzo, Joe Locke, Dave Kikowski, Eric Alexander, Max Ionata, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, Billy Childs, Abdullah Ibrahim, Jim Mullen, Martin Taylor and Stephane Grappelli. Dave also wrote and produced the 2017 Matt Bianco album, Gravity, and tours with the band as saxophonist and musical director.
Dave’s saxophone sound and language draw from deep respect for Dexter, Stitt, Coltrane, Mobley, Turrentine and Brecker amongst a host of other inspirations from early on to the present day.
“A stunning player in the neo-bop vein, with an apparently effortless flow of coherent ideas, beautiful time and a highly developed harmonic sense.”
--JAZZ GUIDE (UK)
“His professional presentation was an object lesson to the amateurishness of local players. His musicianship seemed boundless. Like his friend Martin Taylor did last year to our guitarists, Dave O’Higgins did to our sax players – gave them new and exciting challenges. And gave us mere listeners an exceptional night.”
--ADELAIDE ADVERTISER, AUSTRALIA
“O’Higgins plays with quite exceptional fluency and his fund of ideas never runs out.”
--THE OBSERVER (UK)
Rob Luft
Rob is an award-winning 28-year-old jazz guitarist from London whose virtuosity has been compared to that of six-string legends John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola & Paco De Lucia.
He was the recipient of the 2016 Kenny Wheeler Prize from the Royal Academy of Music, and he also received the 2nd Prize in the 2016 Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition at Montreux Jazz Festival, adjudicated by John McLaughlin himself. His debut album was released to widespread acclaim from the European jazz media, with The Guardian describing it as a “very sophisticated debut, but given Luft’s old-soul achievements since his early teens, we should have heard it coming”. Subsequently, on the back of the success of his first album, Rob was nominated for a string of awards – Breakthrough Act in the 2018 Jazz FM Awards, Instrumentalist of the Year in the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards and Instrumentalist of the Year in the 2019 Jazz FM Awards. In May 2019, Rob was selected as a BBC New Generation Jazz Artist 2019-2022. Amongst the intermittent global lockdowns of 2020, Rob made his debut appearance on the famed German jazz label ECM Records with the album “Lost Ships, a collaborative effort with Swiss-Albanian singer Elina Duni, and this was nominated in the ‘International Album of the Year’ category in the 2021 German Jazz Prize.
Despite his relative youth, Rob has worked with many greats of the jazz world, such as Manu Katché, The Cinematic Orchestra, Django Bates & Arve Henriksen, and he is a regular member of some of the UK's finest modern jazz groups, such as the John Surman Quartet, the Iain Ballamy Quintet and Byron Wallen’s “Four Corners”, Additionally, his playing has been documented on a wide variety of albums over the past five years on important jazz labels such as ECM Records, Edition Records, Ropeadope, and many more.
"...a singular talent, a fluent improviser and a composer of catchy, earthy, infectiously upbeat tunes. There are echoes of west African high-life, English folk, indie rock and various strands of contemporary jazz, but Luft’s sound is joyously original, robust and in-your-face..." THE ---IRISH TIMES (IRE)
“So young and so talented!”
--JAMIE CULLUM, BBC RADIO 2 (UK)
"Luft's style is a garden of heavenly delights, but it is also his own: once heard, you won't confuse him with any other player."
--ALL ABOUT JAZZ (USA)
https://robluft.co.uk/
REVIEW: Harvey / O'Higgins Project - That's the Way to Live!
Hi-Fi News writes, “all very enjoyable.”
REVIEW: Harvey / O'Higgins Project - 'That's the Way to Live!'
Jazz Views’ Eddie Myer writes, “an album’s worth of beautifully rendered standards and originals, all shot through with hints of the blues, sitting squarely in the pocket.”
REVIEW: The Harvey / O'Higgins Project
SJM’s Eddie Myer writes, “an album’s worth of beautifully rendered standards and originals, all shot through with hints of the blues, sitting squarely in the pocket.”
“The musical landscape that the Harvey / O’Higgins Project inhabits is neither innovative nor fashion led” claims the accompanying press release, and this is not intended as either an excuse or an apology. Graham Harvey is one of the UK’s f inest exponents of the bop piano tradition, and his solo on I Wish I Knew is a masterpiece of Wynton Kelly-esque poise and swing, while his block chording on Chlo-E would have delighted Red Garland; Dave O’Higgins is justly renowned as a player, composer and educator in the f ield of bebop and its successors, and his big, centered tone, melodically inventive imagination and sure sense of swing and thematic development, rooted in Dexter Gordon but with plenty of original character as well, have made him a f irm favourite on the national club scene. Add such eminently simpatico elements as Jeremy Brown’s deep, woody tone and impeccable swing and the crisply tasteful ride and crackling snare of Josh Morrison and then sit back and enjoy the results: an albums worth of beautifully rendered standards and originals, all shot through with hints of the blues, sitting squarely in the pocket. Special mention must go to the warm, thoroughly organic sounding recording capture as well. Eddie Myer Graham Harvey, piano; Dave O’Higgins, tenor sax; Jeremy Brown, bass; Josh Morrison, drums.
REVIEW: Harvey / O'Higgins Project - 'That's the Way to Live!'
Jazz Journal’s Roger Farbey writes, “Saxophonist and pianist protest that playing the changes doesn't preclude creativity and produce an enjoyable, swinging jazz set.”
LIVE REVIEW: Harvey / O'Higgins Project Album Launch Show @ 606 Club
Bebop Spoken Here’s Lance Liddle writes, ""Highly recommended, swinging post-bop jazz for anyone with ears for the truth.”
REVIEW: Harvey / O'Higgins Project - 'That's the Way to Live!' ★★★★
The Guardian’s Dave Gelly writes, “This respected quartet do their accomplished bit to keep the custom of mixing standards and originals alive.”
