2021 Year End Review
&
A Look at 2022
Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ (The National Gallery, Oslo)
It's been a long time comin',
It's been a long time gone.
But you know, the darkest hour,
Is always just before the dawn.
And it appears to be a long time,
Such a long, long, long time before the dawn.
—David Crosby
It’s been a perpetual Ground Hog Day nightmare for several years now. We continue to wake up each day to more gloom and doom concerning the COVID crisis, which has now claimed more than 5 million lives worldwide, with nearly 300 million cases reported thus far. It has not only destroyed so many lives…it has also decimated peoples’ livelihoods. This is particularly evident in the hospitality and entertainment industries. According to a study by Help Musicians UK, 9 out of 10 musicians say their mental health has deteriorated during the pandemic. If that wasn’t enough, the repercussions from BREXIT continue to inflict relentless pain on the UK music industry, with 76% of UK musicians claiming it’s likely that BREXIT will stop them from performing in Europe.
However, there have been some green shoots evident in all of this.
Despite the pandemic, the global recorded music industry grew by $1.5 billion in Full Year 2020, up +7.4% versus the previous year, and the trend continues.
In the US alone, streaming racked up more than $10 billion in revenue. Spotify is now valued at $67 billion, and over 60,000 tracks (one per second) are uploaded onto the platform each day. However, a number of regulatory bodies, including the British Parliamentary Committee, are calling for a complete reset of streaming music economics in order to help musicians earn a fair return on their creative output. Time will tell.
Once again, in spite of the plethora of obstacles that continue to prevent a return to what we refer to as ‘business as usual’, Ubuntu Music was exceedingly fortunate in successfully navigating through these turbulent waters and pursuing a business and marketing strategy that recognised the reality of the situation and delivered exceptional results. In fact, the results were the best in the Company’s short history.
In 2021, Ubuntu Music released 27 projects from an exceedingly broad roster of exceptionally talented Artists, from a range of influences and geographies. The consistent DNA that runs through the blood of each of these wonderfully gifted individuals is the quality of their music and the strength of their character as musicians who are unwaveringly dedicated to their craft.
A few of the major highlights for the Artists and the Label are summarised below:
Albums of The Year
A total of 17 Ubuntu Music Artists earned an amazing 42 Album of The Year recognitions.
Alex Western-King / SideSlip (JazzTimes/Eddie Myer) Best of 2021
Allison Neale / Quietly There—Edge of Jazz Top 10
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (Prog Magazine) Top 10 Critics Poll
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (At The Barrier) Album of The Year
Joshua Jaswon Octet / Silent Sea (BBC Music Magazine)
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise Magazine Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise/Mike Flynn Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise/Selwyn Harris Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise/Jon Newey Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise/Brian Priestley Top 20 Albums of The Year)
New York All-Stars / Burnin’ In London (LA Jazz Scene)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise Magazine Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise/Andy Robson Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise/Alyn Shipton Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise/Peter Vacher Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise/Kevin Whitlock Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazz Views/Nick Lea Album of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazz Views/Sammy Stein Album of The Year)
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (JazzTimes/Eddie Myer) Best of 2021
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Hi-Fi News & Record Review) Releases of The Year
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise Magazine Top 20 Albums of The Year)
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise/Nick Hasted Top 20 Albums of The Year)
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise/Jon Newey Top 20 Albums of The Year)
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise/Brian Priestley Top 20 Albums of The Year)
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise/Peter Vacher Top 20 Albums of The Year)
Richard X Bennett / RXB3 (Downbeat Magazine Album of The Year)
Rob Barron / From This Moment On (BBC Music Magazine)
Rob Barron / From This Moment On (JazzTimes/Eddie Myer) Best of 2021
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (Columbus Music Magazine)
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (Cazolk/Hulya Tuncag) Best Foreign Jazz Album
Sean Gibbs / When Can I See You Again? (JazzTimes/Eddie Myer) Best of 2021
Shez Raja / Tales from The Punjab (Presto Music) Jazz Recording Finalist
Shez Raja / Tales from the Punjab (JazzTimes/Chris Wheatley) Best of 2021
The Harvey / O’Higgins Project / That’s the Way to Live! (Jazzwise/Andy Robson Top 20 Albums of The Year)
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B (Marlbank) Album of The Year
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B (The Irish Times) Album of The Year
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (Jazz Views/Chris Baber Album of The Year)
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Jazzcast.ca/Céline Peterson) Top 20 of 2021
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (JazzTimes/Steve Greenlee) Best of 2021
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Textera) Best of 2021
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Ken Frankling’s Jazz Notes) Best of 2021)
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Downbeat Magazine Readers Poll)
4-5 Star Reviews (or equivalent)
A staggering 21 Artists received 4-5 Star Reviews, including 10 Reviews earning the maximum 5 Stars.
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (Sound Magnet Germany) 9/10
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (Matt Derraugh) 5/5 ★★★★★
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (Gary ‘Uncle G’ Brown Archives) 5 Stars ★★★★★
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (Jazz Journal) 4.5 Stars
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things (UK Vibe) 4/5
Camilla George Live Review / Warwick Arts Centre - 4 Stars
His’n’Hers / His’n’Hers (Jazz Journal) 4 Stars
Jay Phelps / Live at The Cockpit (Jazz Journal) 4.5 Stars
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley / Joy in Bewilderment (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Joshua Jaswon Octet / Silent Sea (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (Jazzwise Magazine - Editor’s Choice) 4 Stars
Matt Ridley / The Antidote (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (Jazzwise - Editor’s Choice) 4 Stars
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
OK Aurora / Only In Autumn (Jazz Journal) 5 Stars ★★★★★
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (BBC Music Magazine) 5 Stars ★★★★★
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (The Scotsman) 4 Stars
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (UK Vibe) 4/5
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Kind of Jazz) 4 Stars
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazzwise) 4 Stars
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO (Jazz Journal) 4 Stars
Richard X Bennett / RXB3 (Downbeat Magazine) 4 Stars
Rob Barron / From This Moment On (UK Vibe) 5/5 ★★★★★
Rob Barron / From This Moment On (BBC Music Magazine) 5 Stars ★★★★★
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (BBC Music Magazine) 5 Stars ★★★★★
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (Jazz Journal) 4.5 Stars
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (The Scotsman) 4 Stars
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing (Jazzwise Magazine) 4 Stars
Sean Gibbs / When Can I See You Again? (UK Vibe) 5/5 ★★★★★
Sean Gibbs / When Can I See You Again? (The Scotsman) 4 Stars
Sean Gibbs / When Can I See You Again? (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Secret Sessions Presents / Hoop (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
Shez Raja / Tales from the Punjab (BBC Music Magazine) 5 Stars ★★★★★
Shez Raja Live Review (The Jazz Mann) 4.5 Stars
Shez Raja / Tales from The Punjab (The Scotsman) 4 Stars
Shez Raja / Tales from The Punjab (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
Shez Raja / Tales from the Punjab (Jazzwise) 4 Stars
Shez Raja / Tales from the Punjab (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Solstice / Food for Thought (All About Jazz) 4 Stars
Solstice / Food for Thought (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
Solstice / Food for Thought (Jazzwise Magazine) 4 Stars
The Harvey / O’Higgins Project / That’s the Way to Live! (The Guardian) 4 Stars
The Harvey / O’Higgins Project / That’s the Way to Live! (Jazzwise Magazine) 4 Stars
The Harvey / O’Higgins Project / That’s the Way to Live! (Jazz Journal) 4 Stars
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B (Marlbank) 5 Stars ★★★★★
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B (The Irish Times) 4 Stars
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (UK Vibe) 4/5
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (Jazzwise) 4 Stars
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (Jazz Journal) 4 Stars
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Morning Star) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (The Jazz Mann) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (BBC Music Magazine) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Jazzwise - Editor’s Choice) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (Ivan Rod DK) 4 Stars
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy (All About Jazz) 4 Stars
Notable Recognitions
Camilla George graces the front cover of Jazz Quarterly Magazine.
Chet Baker Live in London Volume II selected by Jazzwise Magazine as one of the Top 10 Chet Baker albums of all time (out of hundreds of Chet Baker recordings).
Ellora Management and Ubuntu Management Group announce management collaboration with vocalist Noemi Nuti.
Yoko Miwa Trio’s Songs of Joy becomes the most played album in USA jazz radio (Jazzweek).
Yoko Miwa Trio achieves Top 10 USA radio airplay in the full year 2021.
Yoko Miwa nominated for the 2021 New England Music Awards.
Streaming Milestones
Chet Baker / Polka Dots and Moonbeams track: 19 Million Streams
Rob Barron / A Time for Lovers track: 4 Million Streams
The Banger Factory / Lullaby to a Fading Star track: 3 Million Streams
Paul Booth / Seattle Fall track: +1.6 Million Streams
Ubuntu Music in The Media
Martin Hummel provides his thoughts on jazz and the music industry (Marlbank). READ HERE
Germany’s Jazzthetik Magazine features Ubuntu Music’s Martin Hummel. READ HERE
Testimonials in The News
“Ubuntu continue their ambitious thrust and prodigious release programming”
“The prolific Ubuntu Music record label”
—Chris Philips
“The brilliant Ubuntu record label…”
—Ian Shaw, vocalist, composer & presenter
“We're really enjoying all the Ubuntu releases - keep up the great work!”
“Ubuntu Music…in a short period of time has gathered together an impressive roster of artists to become one of the leading record labels showcasing British jazz”
“Ubuntu, that phenomenal label”
—Ian Shaw
“This release introduces another exciting jazz discovery to UK audiences and maintains the high standards we have come to expect from the increasingly adventurous Ubuntu record label”
“Ellora Management is so filled with gratitude to Martin Hummel and Ubuntu Music for the signing of our new artist, Yoko Miwa. Martin and Ubuntu have such high standards when choosing their artists as they also help guide each artist in developing their potential. Ellora Management and Yoko Miwa are elated to be a part of the Ubuntu Family!”
—Laura Hess-Hey Jamal
“Credit to Ubuntu Music who have maintained a steady stream of diverse and contrast in styles of music throughout this most difficult year”
“Here, yet again, they (Ubuntu Music) have produced more of "our kind of music". The label has quickly become synonymous with all that is good in jazz. I, for one, always look forward to each new release...”
“It’s both a triumphant return to live music and a chance for Ubuntu Music to show off some of the exquisite talent they’ve got on the roster”
2021 Signings
A very ambitious year, welcoming these outstanding Artists to the Ubuntu Music Family:
Sean Gibbs (sax)
Nigel Price (guitar)
Roy Mor (piano/Israel)
Alex Western-King (sax)
Jacky Naylor (piano)
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (bass)
Benjamin Croft (keys)
Matt Ridley (bass)
Richard X Bennett (piano)
OK Aurora (octet)
Omar + QCBA (soul, R&B, jazz)
The Elliott Henshaw Band (drums)
Andrew McCormack (piano)
Harvey / O’Higgins Project (piano & sax)
Chris Maddock (sax)
Kevin Brady Electric Quartet (drums)
Secret Sessions/Hoop (series)
James Kitchman (guitar)
Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco (guitars)
Nadav Berkovits (piano/Israel)
Giuseppe Pucciarelli (guitar/Italy)
Mattan Klein (flute/Israel)
Jersey Street / ACR & Luis Sullivan (remixes)
Giuseppe Paradiso (guitar/Italy)
Bruno Heinen (piano)
Marco Tranchina (piano/Italy)
Retirements & Departures
Another year of sad losses, including:
Chick Corea
Tony Bennett
Walter Yetnikoff
Charlie Watts
George Wein
Lonnie Smith
Tony Bennett
Here’s a full listing of those we lost plus an overview of 2021 from All About Jazz. READ HERE
REVIEW OF 2021
Another banner year for the release of exceptional music on the Ubuntu Music label.
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Hideaki Ura / Intersection After Illusion
Japanese pianist Hideaki Ura, with his trio, presents music that is complicated and highly skilled, while being based on a range of music genres such as jazz, fusion, progressive rock, metal, djent and classical.
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Will Glaser / Climbing in Circles
Climbing in Circles, Will Glaser’s latest release, is the culmination of a three-year project, exploring his musical relationships with Matthew Herd (sax) and Liam Noble (piano). This third album in the trilogy sees the joining of Liam and Matt in a bass-less trio setting.
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazz Views), 4-5 Star Reviews (UK Vibe, BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal, The Jazz Mann), 4-5 Star Reviews (Jazzwise, Jazz Journal, The Jazz Mann).
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Gwen & Tiana / African Time, Live in Switzerland
Just like the two singers, their music reflects its diversity and cultural crossing. It's a chemistry between energetic African rhythms and jazz harmonies, performed by powerful soul voices. In an atypical journey between Africa and Europe, Gwen & Tiana delivers optimistic songs that celebrate love of self, of Africa and of life.
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
QOW TRIO / QOW TRIO
QOW TRIO is a generation-spanning trio of diverse players who’ve come together, united by a love of the tradition, to explore the freedom that opens up within the three-way saxophone-bass-drums format. Their influences reach back across the history of the music, and look forward into its future.
Recognition: Album of The Year (Hi-Fi News & Record Review, Jazzwise Magazine: Top 20, Nick Hasted, Jon Newey, Brian Priestley, Peter Vacher), 4-5 Star Reviews (BBC Music Magazine, The Scotsman, UK Vibe, Kind of Jazz, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal).
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Yoko Miwa Trio / Songs of Joy
Japanese pianist Yoko Miwa’s debut on the Ubuntu label features her signature calling card of playing in different jazz contexts with spontaneity and clarity…from Monk to Zeppelin, Milt Jackson to Milton Nascimento and more, as well as featuring a healthy dose of her original compositions.
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazzcast, JazzTimes, Textera, Frankling’s Jazz Notes, DownBeat Magazine), 4-5 Star Reviews (Morning Star, The Jazz Mann, BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise, Ivan Rod DK, All About Jazz).
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Solstice / Food for Thought
Solstice is a collaboration between these six like-minded bandleaders and composers who share a common love of contemporary jazz, fine food and wine, resulting in an eclectic palate of influences from all around the world. The result is a melange of contemporary jazz--infused with a dash of spicy Brazilian and a smattering of folky fusion—and features Brigitte Beraha (vocals) and Tori Freestone (saxes).
Recognition: 4-5 Star Reviews (All About Jazz, BBC Music Magazine)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Shez Raja / Tales from the Punjab
Bassist Shez Raja describes his album project: “In early 2020 I went on an adventure, travelling around the Punjab to explore my South Asian identity and immerse myself in the musical culture of my roots. Little did I know, the world was about to change and I feel very lucky to have had what was to be a magical and truly enlightening experience. Whilst in the vibrant city of Lahore I was honoured to collaborate with some of the most accomplished musicians of the subcontinent, from young virtuosos to veteran classical musicians.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Presto Music, BBC Music Magazine), 4-5 Star Reviews (BBC Music Magazine, The Jazz Mann, The Scotsman, BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise, The Jazz Mann)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Jacky Naylor / The Industrial Suite
Jacky Naylor describes the project: “The Industrial Suite is a suite of music I wrote that is based on the textile mills and factories in the North of England, which are not only a big part of my own family’s history, but the history of many other northern families. This features some of my favourite musicians: Tom Syson (Trumpet), Alex Hitchcock (Tenor), Harry Maund (Trombone) Will Sach (Double Bass) and Luca Caruso (Drums).”
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Roy Mor / After The Real Thing
Israeli pianist Roy Mor describes his project: “The music on this album is special to me because in many ways, it describes my physical and musical journey from Israel to New York and back. While the album was recorded in Brooklyn with some of my favourite musicians, a few of the songs were written years ago in my hometown Jerusalem, some in New York City which I called home for a few years, and some in my current city of Tel Aviv.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Columbus Music Magazine, Cazolk/Hulya Tuncag), 4-5 Star Reviews (BBC Music Magazine, Jazz Journal, The Scotsman, The Jazz Mann, Jazzwise)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Richard X Bennett / RXB3
The music that Richard X Bennett creates is undoubtedly experimental in nature and showcases some first-class improvisation, but also retains a whole host of stylish and melodic grooves, making it exciting for those who appreciate the technicality of an accomplished jazz musician, yet is accessible and enjoyable for those who lean toward the R&B / soul end of the musical spectrum. It is this combined with the engaging structures of his compositions and their immediate ‘non-airbrushed’ feel that makes RXB3 a unique offering in today’s musical landscape.
Recognition: Album of The Year (DownBeat Magazine), 4-5 Star Reviews (DownBeat Magazine)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Nigel Price Organ Trio / Wes Reimagined
Guitarist Nigel Price explains, “I make no secret of the fact that I’m a big Wes Montgomery fan. Who isn’t? I’ve found his compositions to be great vehicles, especially used in the organ trio format. I couldn’t wish to have a better or more exciting team than Ross Stanley and Joel Barford to help me convey this material. We have some fantastic guests too: long-time collaborator Vasilis Xenopoulos on tenor saxophone, the wonderful Tony Kofi on alto and the legend that is Snowboy on percussion on five of the tracks.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazz Views: Nick Lea/Sammy Stein/Eddie Myer, Jazzwise Magazine: Top 20/Andy Robson/Alyn Shipton/Peter Vacher/Kevin Whitlock), 4-5 Star Reviews (Jazzwise, BBC Music Magazine)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Alex Western-King / SideSlip
As Alex explains his project, “This album is a meeting point between my love of straight-ahead bebop and the chaos and fragility of free jazz. For my debut album I feel very lucky to be working with musicians who are among the very best on the scene. The addition of James Copus as a special guest is a dream for me, as he is someone whose playing I have admired for many years. I am delighted to have had this album produced by Alex Garnett, who has been a mentor and friend to me for many years.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazz Views)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley / Joy in Bewilderment
Joshua describes the project: “This is an intimate expression and contemplation on how you can feel and function in modern society. It depicts the perplexity on the political climate and humanistic vulnerability through an amalgamation of resilience, puzzlement and exasperation. Yet it encapsulates optimism for the future and gratitude for the now.”
Recognition: 4-5 Star Reviews (The Jazz Mann)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Matt Ridley / The Antidote
Matt describes his inspiration for the music: "I spent a long time reflecting on musical culture in the UK, and my own identity and relationship with all of the different music that I have encountered over 15+ years of being a professional bassist. When it came down to it, I concluded that what the English do really well, is ROCK, FOLK, and CLASSICAL music. I realised that, deep down, I've always wanted to ROCK OUT, to be wild and free, to fly unhindered and answerable to no-one.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazzwise Magazine: Top 20/Mike Flynn/Selwyn Harris/Jon Newey/Brian Priestley), 4-5 Star Reviews (Jazzwise, The Jazz Mann)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
OK Aurora / Only in Autumn
Rod explains the idea behind the project: “OK Aurora was formed to make a big sound. It’s an eight-piece band, including three horns and a singer, so it’s a lot of fun when we all get going. I take a lot of influence from artists such as Steely Dan and Becca Stevens, who blur the lines between pop and jazz, and I’ve always tried to write in a way that allows the musicians to stretch out but is also accessible to an audience that might not be too familiar with jazz.”
Recognition: 4-5 Star Reviews (Jazz Journal)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Benjamin Croft / Far and Distant Things
Benjamin explains the project: “I am immensely proud of this album. A true portrait of my musical mind. My love of jazz, rock and classical are all captured. The eleven compositions on this album represent my childhood dreams and fantasies. Utopian and dystopian, heroes and villains--all are depicted. Concepts I regarded as far and distant things.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Prog Magazine, At The Barrier), 4-5 Star Reviews (Sound Magnet Germany, Matt Derraugh, Uncle G Archives, Jazz Journal, UK Vibe)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Sean Gibbs / When Can I See You Again?
Sean describes the project: “The album features original music of mine, steeped in the jazz tradition, with a focus on lyrical melodies, hearty grooves and a deep association with the blues. The compositions are largely about celebrating the human connections that I’d sometimes taken for granted. It was an immense privilege to record these pieces with some of my favourite musicians on the London jazz scene.”
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazz Views), 4-5 Star Reviews (UK Vibe, The Scotsman)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Andrew McCormack (ft Thomas Gould) / Sleeping Acorn, Mighty Oak
Andrew describes his latest project: “A short but varied jazz/classical crossover journey with each track offering something different. We have minimalist Steve Reich arpeggios morphing into lop sided rhythms and soaring lyrical themes. Bernard Hermann style harmonies that transition into something of a party a là Return To Forever as well as epic film like canvases.”
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
The Elliott Henshaw Band / Who’d Have Guest?
Elliott describes the project: “The idea behind this project was to take my existing 5-piece band and include different guest appearances on each track. The guests vary from a horn section featuring the likes of Tom Walsh, Simon Niblock and Chris Traves, vocalists such as Miranda Wilford and Noel Sullivan, or jazz heavyweights such as Gwilym Simcock, Bob Mintzer and Dave Weckl. I wanted to celebrate music and musicians that have inspired me over the years whilst at the same time document where I am creatively at this point in my life.”
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Harvey/O’Higgins Project / That’s the Way to Live!
The musical landscape that the Harvey / O'Higgins Project inhabits is neither innovative nor fashion led. There is however, a thread in jazz that has continued from its origins in the small groups of the swing era, through bebop and up to the present day, that embodies the aesthetic of harmonic integrity ('making the changes') coupled with rhythmic coherence ('being in the pocket'). This is where the Harvey / O'Higgins Project resides.
Recognition: Album of The Year (Jazzwise Magazine/Andy Robson), 4-5 Star Reviews (The Guardian, Jazzwise, Jazz Journal)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet / Plan B
Plan B is the latest studio album by acclaimed drummer and composer, Kevin Brady. It features the stellar musical talents of U.S. saxophonist Seamus Blake, Bill Carrothers on Fender Rhodes, and bassist Dave Redmond. Brady’s ambition was to record an album that consisted of new, original compositions that explore improvisation in an electric quartet format. While tipping their collective hat to the music of the 1970s Miles Davis Group, along with the groove and funk based music of Herbie Hancock, many of the musical themes deal with the impact of what is happening in the world as we know it now.
Recognition: Album of The Year (Marlbank, The Irish Times), 4-5 Star Reviews (Marlbank, The Irish Times, The Jazz Mann)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Chris Maddock / The Hunt
The project features a contemporary, groovy take on the classic Hammond organ trio line-up, augmented by saxophone. The music is inspired by the recent output of artists such as Larry Goldings and Joey DeFrancesco with similar line-ups, whilst also drawing on the influence of contemporary saxophone masters such as Jon Irabagon and Seamus Blake. The band includes some of London's finest young musicians - Liam Dunachie on organ, Tobie Carpenter on guitar, drummer Ed Richardson and a special guest appearance from Daniel Casimir on double bass.
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Secret Sessions Presents / Hoop
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.
Recognition: 4-5 Star Reviews (BBC Music Magazine)
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Jersey Street - Love Rising Up / The Remixes
Jersey Street has created a series of remixes of the track to their latest album, Love Rising Up, featuring A Certain Ratio and Luis Sullivan. Matt Steele, Neil Reid and Dawn Zee add, “As a band, it’s seriously exciting hearing these takes on our music, that breathe new life and colour into it. It’s an honour for us to work alongside both these artists.”
To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.
Nadav Berkovits / Waking the Heart
Israeli pianist Nadav Berkovits explains: “For me, ‘Waking the Heart’ was a spiritual journey started back in 2018 when I traveled to Cuba where I was exposed to a new world of culture and music. This experience led me to dig deep within myself and begin to compose my own music. Some of the tunes were written in Havana and some of them in India, Sinai (Egypt) and Jerusalem. I had the opportunity to get in the studio with some of my best friends and best musicians around.”
A LOOK AT UBUNTU MUSIC IN 2022
Even with the challenges throughout the world in 2021, it was nevertheless a banner year for Ubuntu Music and its roster of exceptional Artists.
And 2022 promises to be just as exciting…
Mattan Klein / The Long Run (January)
Israeli flautist Mattan Klein shares his views: “Music is the ultimate means of connecting between souls. Words can only go so far, but music waves have the power to unite and bring a real change. When I realised how close I felt to Ubuntu’s motto I also noticed how accurately I was trying to live my life and create my music in accordance to this special word. Becoming a part of the Ubuntu Music Family is a most natural way for me to close a circle, to deliver this message of unity and equality with the right team of incredible thinkers and dreamers.”
Matt Ridley / The Antidote Reloaded (January)
The recording session for 'The Antidote' took three days, and such was the quantity and variety of content, that not all the tunes would fit on one album. Hence the 'The Antidote Booster Jab' where three bonus tracks now see the light of day for the first time.
Omar + QCBA / Live At Last (February)
Omar teams up with his decade-long partnership of QCBA, featuring the outstanding trumpet player Quentin Collins and the tenor sax titan Brandon Allen, for an intoxicating musical cocktail of jazz, R&B, funk and soul. Omar + QCBA was made for a live recording, as anyone who has ever seen this band perform would wholeheartedly agree. They create a highly unique kind excitement and energy at the highest level. We are thrilled to be releasing this album, for everyone to enjoy.
Marco Tranchina / Smät Five / More Than Ever (February)
Italian pianist Marco Tranchina formed Smät Five with the aim to present his original compositions that could blend a unique melange of his eclectic approach to the modern jazz idiom, along with the warm sounds and sensibilities of his Mediterranean musical heritage.
The Pucciarelli Group / Uplift (March)
The original compositions of this album are firmly grounded in a particular tradition of harmony, melody and rhythm mostly found in contemporary improvised music. Stylistically, this release is perhaps decidedly European in character. Uplift offers much in terms of the moods it raises and the emotions it creates.
Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco / Scribbling (March)
Harry and Pedro formed a guitar duo that explores and challenges the boundaries of improvised music. Theirs is a melting pot of jazz and folk harmony, immersive sonic textures, and calm, introspective moments that are interjected with wild intensity. In a world that rushes to excite and distract, their music focuses on taking time to develop and create space.
James Kitchman / First Quartet (April)
James describes the project: “There are influences from lots of places - I didn’t want to shy away from exhibiting certain aspects of myself, nor from my jazz tendencies. There are nods to my beginnings in folk and psychedelic rock, harmonies derived from the melancholy and romanticism of Astor Piazzolla and the Nuevo-Tango, melodies inspired by composers such as Chopin and Satie, the expansive textures of Scandinavian jazz and the ‘ECM’ sound, and of course the masters of jazz who continue to inspire and inform my playing style (Coltrane, Rollins, Jim Hall, Scofield, Frisell).”
Giuseppe Paradiso & Meridian 71 / Parallel Dimensions (April)
Meridian 71 is a cross-cultural music project created and led by Italian drummer Giuseppe Paradiso since 2012. Meridian 71 is more than a conceptual band…it's a dynamic and ever-changing musical project with a revolving lineup and a driving vision to use music and sound to inspire, bridge cultures and create links within different traditions.
The W / Live at Kings Place (April)
The W is pianist Bruno Heinen'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 and Gene Calderazzo (Pharaoh Sanders) on drums.
And there are other equally exciting projects in the works for 2022…
STEVE BAKER
Producer, composer, arranger and keys man Steve Baker, with an all-star line-up Mark Lockheart, Laura Jurd, Ralph Salmins and Rob Mullarkey.
RON MAGRIL
Gifted Israeli guitarist Ron Magril, with a debut album featuring drummer Ofri Nehemya.
PAUL BOOTH
Sax sensation Paul Booth, with Project 44: A stellar line-up consisting of of two quartets.
CORRIE DICK
A highly ambitious and engaging project from the talented drummer, Corrie Dick, with an equally impressive cast of musicians, including Laura Jurd, Rob Luft, Joe Webb and Alice Zawadzki.
BRANDON ALLEN
Brandon Allen delivers a blistering tribute to Stanley Turrentine with his next release.
FIVE-WAY SPLIT
Five-Way Split, featuring the blinding talent of Matt Home, Vasilis Xenopoulos, Mátyás Hoffecker, Rob Barron and Quentin Collins.
TOMORROW’S NEW QUARTET
The just-formed, outstanding Tomorrow’s New Quartet, featuring Helena Kay, Deschanel Gordon, Flo Moore and Rod Oughton.
SARA DOWLING & ROSS STANLEY
The breathtaking combination of Sara Dowling (vocals and cello) and Ross Stanley (piano), in a new, hypnotic collaboration.
LEO RICHARDSON
Leo Richardson and his quartet is back, with a live album on the way!
ANDREW McCORMACK TRIO
Andrew McCormack returns to his classic format, with a much-awaited trio album.
REUBEN FOWLER BIG BAND
And the one we’ve been waiting for…The Reuben Fowler Big Band does Steely Dan, with an unforgettable line-up and some of the biggest names in jazz as special guests.
A CLOSING WORD OF
PROFOUND GRATITUDE
Martin Hummel and Omar Lyefook at Jazz Café sound check on 29th May 2021.
As we say every year, this business doesn’t get any easier. It is exceedingly demanding, relentless and all-consuming.
Particularly if you are committed to doing it right, with dignity, respect and professionalism, whilst always putting the Artists and the quality of their music first.
And it was an especially difficult year for everyone, yet again, given the extraordinary challenges that 2021 bestowed upon us with relentless aggression.
Ubuntu Management Group and, within it, Ubuntu Music, started about five years ago as an experiment, by devoting our attention to the music we love most. That approach continues to guide our thinking.
This would never have been possible without some remarkable people who were patient enough to give us a chance and to continue to support us. There are many, but the few in particular we’d like to thank include Emma Perry, along with Rupert Burley at Dynamic Music, our UK publicity/marketing partners who work tirelessly to raise the profile of our Artists. Big thanks to the publicity teams in the US (Ann Braithwaite and Mark Elf), BeNeLux/Germany (Inge De Pauw) and France (Sylvie Durand). And a massive thank you to Sam Carelse, our Label Manager, who jumped right in and made such a significant difference to Ubuntu and its Artists. Laura Hess-Hay Jamal, our partner at Ellora Management in the US. Chris Philips from Jazzed and Jazz FM--along with Ruth Fisher and Tony Minvielle, plus Paul/Sarah/James from Ronnie Scott’s. Leo Richardson for being my confidant and wing man. John Fordham and Dave Gelly from The Guardian/Observer, Kevin Le Gendre, Ian Shaw, Sebastian Scotney and crew at London Jazz News, Mike Flynn/Jon Newey + Peter/Robert/ Selwyn and crew at Jazzwise, the wonderful team at BBC Music Magazine, the US DownBeat and JazzTimes Magazine staff, Jazziz’s Michael Fagien, Eddie Myer at SJM and Jazz Views (and everywhere else, it seems), Marc Myers at JazzWax/Wall Street Journal USA, The Jazz Mann’s Ian Mann, Lance Liddle at Bebop Spoken Here, Matt Ruddick at Kind of Jazz, UK Vibe’s Michael/Alan/Tim/Brian/Andy gang, Marlbank’s Stephen Graham, Paul Pace and crew (Jackie, Matt and Clement and Tara) from The Spice of Life, Roger Farbey and Chris May at All About Jazz, Jazz Journal’s Mark Gilbert, Gary and Janine at Tomorrow’s Warriors, Jazz in Europe’s Erminia Yardley, Soul and Jazz’s Brian Hurst, Chris Hodgkins, Sandy Brown Jazz’s Ian Maunde, Ruari and Jack at Jazz Café, Ross and Joseph from Pizza Express, mastering supremo Peter Beckmann at TechnologyWorks, Luc Saint-Martin, Carl Hyde, The Sunday Times’ Clive Davis, Mary James, the brilliant Monika Jakubowska, Tim Dickeson, Steve Funkyfeet, Steven Cropper, designer Darren Rumney, Jazz Royalists Peter Freeman & Alan Hayward, the team at Sound Performance and the guys at The Orchard—Scott, Ben and especially Matt. And, of course, Simon ‘Goatious Foot’ Page, who never fails to dazzle one and all.
Most of all, to the amazingly talented Artists, who make us look much better than we are and who make the extraordinary journey worth every step. You are the heart and soul of this venture and we are eternally grateful for placing your faith in us.
And lastly and most importantly, to my wonderful wife and daughters, for allowing me to live the dream and supporting me irrespective of my many idiosyncrasies. Love you, to infinity and beyond!
Can’t wait for this year to happen…
Leslie, Martin, Camila, Cleo & Sabrina.
