This album was influenced by some of my favourite artists. Jaywalk, Sketch and Three Fall have a post bop jazz vibe and although the tunes are played on alto or trumpet, I had the late, great tenor player Michael Brecker in mind. Just Funky and Straight Ahead were inspired by the Funky sound of the JBs and Maceo Parker. To and Fro explores the relationship between 12/8 and 4/4 while Alhambra was inspired by Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. The Alhambra is a mix of Arab, Moorish and Spanish cultures. I’ve tried to represent them in the music by using Flamenco hand claps, trumpet and castanets, with the Eastern influences represented by Doumbek and finger cymbals. Cubana Babe is an Afro-Cuban piece which includes some of my favourite Latin groves.
Dave Betts (drums/percussion)
Matt Bourne-Jones (trumpet/flugelhorn)
Anders Olinder (keys)
Valere Speranza (bass)
James Gardiner-Bateman (alto sax)