On Emboldened, Banks brings together a quintet of musicians at the forefront of UK jazz scene: Sam Crockatt on saxophone, Rebecca Nash on keyboard, Henrik Jensen on bass and Mark Whitlam on drums. The synergy between each player is palpable on the recording and provides a clear demonstration of the professionalism and vibrancy of each player, both individually and as a unit. Speaking about the band, Steve Banks remarks: “I’m excited by the scope and depth of expression this quintet is capable of reaching and am composing new music to explore this further. I want to ‘stoke the fire’”
Banks explains that he wrote the Emboldened suite “to reflect individuals and society's response to adversity….This also reflected values inherent to jazz music including respect, trust, listening and support and, as a jazz musician, I wanted to offer a positive and reassuring experience for the peaceful majority. The suite comprises three movements: Fear, Belief & Unity and is also inspired by the incredible music of Maria Schneider.
Banks’ captivating style and versatility have made him a ‘go to’ guitarist for many successful music projects, most notably playing electric, acoustic, baritone and nylon string guitars on Sara Colman’s album ‘What We’re Made Of’, co-composing several tracks and contributing his own composition ‘Open’. The album appeared in Jazzwise Magazine’s ‘Top 10 albums of 2018’ and ‘Best of Jazz on Bandcamp’ lists.. Further projects include being a vital element of the Greg Cordez Band and a 2021 UK tour with ‘What She Said’, celebrating pioneering women in music. Having lent his elite skill to a range of artistic endeavours, Steve Banks will now release his debut album Emboldened, representing his very best work to date and an anticipated elevation to the limelight.
Steve Banks has performed at venues across the UK including Birmingham Symphony Hall, CBSO Centre, London’s King’s Place, Mostly Jazz, Manchester Jazz and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals and Jazzahead! in Germany. The upcoming tour will include performances of the Emboldened suite alongside brand new music. Steve will also be mentoring four young Ukrainian and British musicians over the next few months to compose on the themes of Emboldened (Fear, Belief and Unity). The upcoming concert at St George's Bristol in July will also feature premier performances of these compositions by the young musicians. Emboldened is an enthralling album, destined to become one of this years’ most important releases to date.
Catalogue No: SLR1981
Recorded At Samson Studios, Birmingham, UK.
Mixed By Olly Samson At Samson Studios, Birmingham, UK.
Mastered By Peter Beckman At TechnologyWorks, London UK.
Artwork By: Enric Alberti https://www.instagram.com/
Photography by Hacker Photography / Recording Session Photography By Chris Lucas.
TOUR DATES:
14th June The Vortex London
27th June The Spotted Dog Birmingham
29th June Spin Jazz Oxford
1st July St George’s Bristol
QUOTES:
‘Purposeful precision and smart invention . . . tightly written, long unfolding melodic structures weaving the musicians into braided soundscapes . . . deserving of a much wider audience’ - Jazzwise (2022)
“Steve Banks brings a crisp lyricism that mimics Colman’s flight patterns then deviates in fascinating directions” - BANDCAMP
“A remarkable guitarist” – Fringe Jazz “Skilled, flowing guitar” – Bebop Spoken Here
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