Solstice 'Food for Thought' Album Trailer
SOLSTICE (UK)
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Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of Solstice, featuring an array of exceptional British musicians--Brigitte Beraha (vocals), Tori Freestone (saxes & flute), Jez Franks (guitars), John Turville (piano & keys), Dave Mannington (double bass) and George hart (drums).
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.
After the success of their taster album, Alimentation, the long-awaited plat du jour album, Food for Thought, is a strong expression of the complex issues facing us at this time when many are pursuing various interests at home, such as baking, thinking and taking up a new creative hobby.
With a melange of contemporary jazz--infused with a dash of spicy Brazilian and a smattering of folky fusion--the result could conceivably be a recipe for disaster. Instead, this is a concoction that promises to take you on an incredible journey through time/space/heaven/hell…and even the contents of your fridge!
Solstice describes their latest project, Food for Thought, as follows:
“It's like a dream come true releasing our second album on Ubuntu Music, with their fantastic artist roster and the great care and attention they give to each release. The music on 'Food for Thought' began life during our previous 22 date UK tour. The project is unique in that each member of the band is a seasoned composer and bandleader in their own right, and each contributed new material as the tour went on.
“At first listen, ‘Food for Thought’ sounds more like a rock album than a jazz one. It soon becomes clear that here is a true contemporary jazz melting pot, with an eclectic list of influences from all around the world. The result is contemporary jazz with strong elements of prog-rock, with a dash of Brazilian, a smattering of world music, an infusion of folk and a pinch of classical music that veers from avant-garde ensemble passages to free-improv and back.
Concerning their new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Brigitte and Tori commented:
" We're really excited about releasing this album on Ubuntu and working with Martin Hummel whom most of us have known for many years. The partnership with his exciting and diverse label is fitting for our second release alongside many highly respected artists from the UK and worldwide scene.
“The band is unusual in that it is co-led by its members, all of whom are well known bandleaders and composers in their own right. We all have similar influences and have worked together in varying formats for many, many years, resulting in a unique blend. The music on this album developed over a long period of time while touring our first album. We're all foodies and of course that had to come out in the titles and inspiration behind the music as it did on our first album, 'Alimentation'. This latest album also seemed to develop a psychological slant over time and the combination of both subjects has become even more relevant with the situation we all find ourselves in presently. We hope the listeners can find joy, pathos, humour and meaning in the compositions as we do when we're creating and performing the work.
“The album has been a long time in the making and is very dear to our hearts. Now seems to be the perfect time to be releasing a little preview morsel so that people can savour a taste of what's to come. We hope they find it delectable and that it will leave them hungry for additional helpings.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, summed things up with the following: “What a wonderfully talented group of artists, all of whom are leaders in their own right, combining a smorgasbord of exotic musical strands which deliciously blend together to serve up a grand feast for the ears to savour. This project will surly make the listener hungrier for second servings. Listen with a voracious appetite!”