(Press release)
Scottish jazz
quartet SQUARE ONE are all set for a flying start to 2016 with a significant
recording project in the pipeline, and a major funding boost behind their
ambitious plans for the future.
Square One have
already caught the ear of influential critics, made an outstanding EP of
shimmering beauty and originality, and recently became the proud recipients of
a Peter Whittingham Jazz Award. This prestigious accolade is the catalyst that
will enable them to go to the next level and fulfil their undoubted promise.
The panel of judges
included BBC Radio 3’s Julian Joseph who remarked that Square One are, ''A
soulful and empathetic band with irresistible charisma - they dominated the
room from beat one''. Elsewhere, the leading jazz magazine Jazzwise has
described them as, “Stirring and Dynamic''.
The Glasgow-based
quartet began as a collaboration in 2014, and they have performed regularly
ever since. In June, they released an astonishing eponymous debut recording
that immediately caught the attention of peers, fans and pundits alike. This
immensely accessible EP of highly original tunes embraces highly fluid, warmly
melodic jazz that hangs out with soulful balladry; slides into ECM inspired
cool and nods respectfully to the classic jazz iconography.
The primary focus is
the highly articulate conversational interplay between guitarist Joe Williamson
and award-winning pianist Peter Johnstone. Similarly, the emphatic synergy
between David Bowden on bass and Stephen Henderson on drums provides layers of
energy, intensity, rhythm and texture. Together, Square One create a
fully-interlocking, four-cornered mosaic of colourful, eclectic jazz.
The Square One EP
contains forty-five minutes of stunning contemporary jazz music from four
important new voices. It is full of music that moves towards other sounds and
jumps the boundaries between folk, fusion, world music and sophisticated,
jazz-tinged rock. It’s little wonder then that much anticipation already
surrounds the prospect of striking new sounds from Square One.
Fans of fresh, new
thinking in music and powerful jazz performances can catch Square One at one of
their upcoming shows in the New Year.
Square One in 2016
Edinburgh Jazz Bar
27th January 2016 9.00 pm
Aberdeen Blue Lamp
28th January 2016 7.30 pm
Glasgow Griffin 9th
February 2016 7.30 pm.
1 comment :
Worth noting that Jazz North East have already booked Square One for a Newcastle gig, although fans will have to wait a little while - they'll be playing the Bridge Hotel on Sunday 10th July as one half of a double bill, with a local band (yet to be decided).
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