Line-up: Jon Law sax, John Law piano Nick Pinni bass Alex Goodyear drums
Jon Lloyd speaks warmly about this line-up… “…my long-standing friend and musical collaborator, pianist John Law, was the only real choice for expressing the delicate harmonic fabric of this music. His combination of sensitivity, immense depth of musical knowledge and virtuosic technique makes him the perfect fit. Next, I wanted a drummer with the understated strength and imagination which this music requires. To find that in the young Alex Goodyear was a true miracle! On bass I needed someone with the ability to be both abstract and groovy, with super accurate pitch and a deep propulsive feel without necessarily having to swing! Like Alex, Nick Pini was an amazingly lucky find.”
Many will recall the magnificent 'Re-Creations' gig by John Law's quartet at the Bonington in December and his superb playing then. Great have him back in this context!
Concerning the music, Jon Lloyd continues: “The music on the album all comes from…that area of European jazz I love where different musical worlds are vying for attention – some Western modes, some Eastern scales, some hypnotic jazz grooves in unexpected time signatures, some almost classical passages; but all the time making a coherent statement, where you won’t hear the joins! All my compositions attempt to express an emotion in as honest a way as possible, focusing on strong and hopefully beautiful melodic hooks while trying to avoid obvious patterns, cliches and conventions. I also try to write music where the listener cannot be sure what is written and what is improvised.”
The late Martin Hummel, in his capacity as Director of record label Ubuntu Music, said “When Jon shared his ‘Earth Songs’ [album] project with me, I was immediately attracted to his sensitivity as a composer and performer. Jon’s interplay with pianist John Law is magical. As a saxophonist, Jon may walk softly, but he delivers a very arresting sound.”
Watch promo video on YouTube and the band performing Smoke on the Water at the Unterfahrt Jazz Club on a recent tour in Germany.
This is stunning music. Expect to hear new compositions destined for a forthcoming album as well as tunes from their album Earth Songs. Book now!
Tickets: Standard £16 | Student £8 | Child with paying adult £0
Jazz Steps brings high quality, entertaining contemporary jazz to audiences in Nottingham at the excellent Bonington Theatre venue in Arnold.
And, through our Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries monthly events - a collaboration with Inspire, we promote gigs at their library venues in Beeston, Worksop and West Bridgford.
As a not-for-profit volunteer-run promoter, we have been welcoming enthusiastic audiences to enjoy live music from top musicians and bands for over 25 years. Each and every gig is a unique experience - jazz being the quintessential 'music of surprise'! Let’s keep enjoying it – see you soon!
