Friday 17 February 2023
Independent record label Elsden Music is rapidly making a name for itself through the excellent quality of its studio recordings. Tonight, founder Greg Dowling showcases two of the label’s latest album releases:
Juliet Wood – “Sconsolato”
Juliet Wood - vocals
Alban Claret - guitar
Luke Fowler - double bass
Billy Pod - drums
This self-confessed ‘musical magpie’ presents a collection of tunes connected by shimmering harmonies, eloquently described by beautiful melodic lines.
Each song holds a particular magic and is brushed with colours from Juliet’s distinct vocal palette - ranging from dark and smoky to pure and crystalline.
“Difficult to know where to begin with this outstanding debut album from Juliet Wood… brilliantly arranged songs that are flawlessly delivered… this is the best vocal album I have heard this year.” - Nick Lea, Jazz Views
"A love letter to the art of song" - Jon Vernon, Jazz Notes
Alban Claret & Evan Clegg – “The Collection”
Alban Claret - guitar
Evan Clegg - trumpet
Duncan Eagles - tenor saxophone
Luke Fowler - double bass
Billy Pod - drums
An outstanding quintet co-led by French guitarist Alban Claret and the Yorkshire born trumpeter Evan Clegg perform compositions inspired by the works of some of their primary influences, notably saxophonist Charlie Parker, trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Lennie Tristano.
A shared love of bebop and composition discovered at a fortuitous meeting at the Tate Britain, set the two on a path leading to the May 2021 release of their debut album The Collection. Their original material rooted firmly within the jazz tradition, powerful delivery of snappy tunes and confident improvisational passages offer a compelling yet accessible listening experience.
“The striking aspect of this album suggests great promise for the future” - Jazzwise
“If you like bebop brought up to date then you will enjoy this album” - Bebop Spoken Here
“A set of highly accomplished & hugely enjoyable tunes. The quality of the playing is exceptional.” - The Jazz Mann
Elsden Music:
Based in a recording studio next to the Regents Canal in East London, Elsden Music is a jazz record label run by recording and mixing engineer Greg Dowling.
The well-equipped studio offers a restored 1914 Broadwood Grand Piano and a comprehensive collection of vintage and modern microphones and recording equipment.
A lifelong jazz enthusiast, Greg delights in recording and releasing music he loves, played by musicians he admires. Recent releases have included guitarist Alban Claret and trumpeter Evan Clegg, singer Juliet Wood, and pianist and singer Ikumi Koyama.
Forthcoming releases feature guitarists Nigel Price and Alban Claret, and John Crawford’s Latin Quintet.
Video 1 (Juliet Wood – “Round Midnight”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUxKXODaRy0
Video 2 (Claret&Clegg – “AL A Parker”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlMb0t8Tq5U
