Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of pianist, composer, and educator Bruno Heinen’s ensemble, The W, for their debut album release, Live at Kings Place, for release on 22nd April 2022.

The W is Bruno's new London-based contemporary jazz group. Like the four equal lines that make up the letter ‘W’, the four members of the group come together as one voice in performance. The band features Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra) on wordless vocals, Andrea Di Biase (Kenny Wheeler) on double bass, Gene Calderazzo (Pharoah Sanders) on drums and Bruno on piano.

“Sure signs of an appetite for the unexpected…It’ll be great to hear it live”

Jazzwise Magazine ★★★★

They are a band in the true sense of the word. They meet regularly, learning the music by heart and shaping Bruno's compositions together. The compositions themselves have a story to tell, as each one based on a single idea/concept, and written with melody at the forefront. Bruno, Andrea and Gene have been working together for many years. The addition of Heidi Vogel brings another layer of depth and lyricism to the music. “I’ve been working with Heidi in her own groups for over 10 years”, says Bruno. “I’ve always wanted to include her in a project of my own, and from the first time she sang with us, it just felt right. Her soul and range are extraordinary, especially without words: I can write as if I were composing for trombone, trumpet, or operatic soprano.”

The forthcoming Live at Kings Place EP is comprised of three tracks taken from a concert at the end of their 2021 tour, funded by Arts Council England. Snowed In With Cedar Walton tells the story of a solo gig Walton played at the Village Vanguard in the 90s, where Bruno was one of only a handful of audience members. Snake River is inspired by Bruno's childhood trip to the Teton Mountains in the American Midwest, and Her Song was written on International Women's Day 2020 for his wife and daughter.

“Original compositions that sound like standards”

Marlbank ★★★★

The group are currently working on a full-length follow up album, also to be released on the Ubuntu Music record label.

“I’m very excited about my new partnership with Ubuntu”, says Bruno. “From the very first meeting I had with Martin Hummel, I could see his passion for the music. First and foremost, he is about promoting the artform, and he has the drive and experience to make it happen on an ambitious scale. We’ll be working together on this EP and the follow-up album, and I sincerely hope our partnership will continue well beyond that. Looking at the label roster, I’m certainly in very good company, and I’m so happy to have a chance to contribute to the momentum of this important label.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his view: “I’ve admired Bruno for a while. He’s a gifted composer and arranger, who has contributed greatly to the London jazz scene, working alongside a number of well-known leaders in jazz. It’s a delight to have the opportunity to work with Bruno and his exceptional band of equals on this EP release, which is the start of more exciting things to come. We welcome ‘The W’ to the Family.”

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