(Press release) The core trio of Sharp Little Bones are joined by MOBO-nominated, multi-BBC Jazz and Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner Tony Kofi. Together, they perform brand-new compositions that are tight, energetic, catchy, and melodic. Their sound has fresh, contemporary appeal: live acoustic forces rooted in bebop and blues, embellished with tasteful electronics and warm, analogue synth textures.
Sharp Little Bones (Volumes I & II) was recorded high on the buzz from their sell-out shows and during the hottest two days of summer 2022 at Metronome, Nottingham. The double album of entirely new, exciting music captures the energy, virtuosity, and soul of the house trio of Peggy's Skylight (a multi-award-winning jazz venue). Throughout the album, the compositions reach deep within and far outside the jazz canon. There are catchy, energetic tracks, beautiful bass-led melodies, spacious ballads, spiritual and expansive atmospheres, hard swingers, and groove-led pieces full of vibe. Within well-crafted, melodic writing and tight, rhythmical arrangements there’s freedom for expressive solos and group-led improvisation.
Simon Paterson explains: We hunkered down and hit the ground, recording a double album in just nine hours. We were having such a blast, really listening to, reacting to, inspiring each other, and having meaningful musical conversations. Everything sounded so great in the studio, we just let it rip, track after track, so what you're hearing is all live and mostly single takes. I'm super excited to get this album out there." Simon continues, sharing his background as a musician: “I've been a professional electric and upright bassist for some years but didn't follow the traditional path into jazz performance. As an undergraduate, I majored in classical music composition before studying sound engineering and production. I've written music for TV, adverts, short films, plays, cartoons, and songs for many years. I love melody, and I knew the music I wanted to write and perform had to be melodic, accessible, and soulful. After all, these were the things that attracted me to jazz in the first place. I'm also a music technologist, so I'm interested in exploring ways to use technology to enhance musical performances and connect to audiences in subtle but innovative ways.
We love playing standards, and it's a privilege to help keep that tradition alive. Still, to be playing to audiences who really enjoy the experience of hearing new music has been a dream and an inspiration. I am indebted to Paul Deats (piano, electric piano and synth) and Andrew Wood (drums), with whom I've played for years. We're the house band at Peggy's Skylight in Nottingham so we've played with some amazing musicians over the years. It was a no-brainer hooking up with these guys for this project. We play together so intuitively and arranging these new pieces together has been such a pleasure. I first played with Tony Kofi at a jam in Nottingham, just as I was starting out as a bassist. I don't remember what we played, and I dread to think about where my jazz chops were at that time. Still, I'll never forget the vibe: it was palpable, and I've been chasing that feeling ever since. I put on a concert for Black History Month in 2020, which gave me an opportunity to work with Tony again. It was so wonderful to share a stage with him, to witness the spirit he embodies and feel the energy he consistently brings. I dared to ask him if he'd be a part of my new band and was totally overjoyed when he agreed.
The sum of all parts makes Sharp Little Bones’ prolific recording a must have release and an excellent addition to this years’ musical canon.
Release date : May 12, Ubuntu Music.
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