I am excited to start playing live again in a jazz trio setting. Garry Jackson on bass and Genís Bagés on drums was a fun experience. Here is an excerpt from my latest session in the studio. Southern Wind, Sakura Sky and Bemsha Swing are highlighted songs.
WHAT IS NOW is a question but also a statement, my reflection on the tectonic shifts occurring in our world today. It is both a departure and a return: An exploration beyond the boundaries of my earlier work as well as a homecoming with old friends.
In Migration Suite, the intent was to create a composition that was also a soundscape. It was originally composed as part of an art project to document the dangerous journey of migrants across the Mediterranean. I wanted the sound to capture both the siren song of hope and the dissonance of fear.
Southern Wind is an introspection. The piece was recorded during the long months of confinement when the world was shuttered by COVID-19. The rigor of the creative process has helped me to navigate through the pandemic, even as we face an uncertain future.
I am very fortunate to have good friends who happen to be truly great musicians. Rumba Blues is a celebration of those friendships and our shared delight in music and sound, undimmed by time or distance.
In fact, all the musicians who contributed to this recording played like there was no tomorrow. They are an inspiration to me. I am proud of all our creative work in this project. I hope you will enjoy it too.
Saturday June 20th is World Refugee Day. I’m releasing my latest piece, MigrationSuite to mark the date and highlight the work that still needs to be done to help refugees rebuild their lives.
This is a a free jazz, experimental sound project inspired by refugee journeys - original conceived for and featured in an art project with Ai Weiwei. This is a very personal project for me and I truly hope it has some impact. If you feel like contributing to help refugees, please go to my FB fundraiser for @CEARefugio - a local charity I’ve been working closely with in Spain.
Available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music: