Smiling by Mark Lockheart

Mark Lockheart, at the forefront of contemporary jazz, unveils his latest album 'Smiling' with a stellar 12 piece ensemble - a vibrant fusion of jazz's sophistication and rock's raw energy - a refreshing antidote to modern-day chaos in the grand tradition of the great jazz rock fusions of the 70s.

Following in the footsteps of such British jazz rock pioneers as Nucleus, Mike Gibbs, Isotope and Colosseum , Mark Lockheart’s new project fuses flute (the great Rowland Sutherland) twin sax improvisations ( Empirical’s Nathaniel Facey) with electric guitar (John Parricelli) and a full brass and wind section of top players over rock steady rhythms (bassist Tom Herbert) and ex Robert Plant drummer Dave Smith.

Lockheart, in the vanguard of British jazz for four decades, returns with a triumph of sonic optimism on his latest album, blending edginess and rawness into the sophisticated tapestry of his sound. A masterful corrective to the chaos of modern life, the album weaves a narrative capturing the essence of jazz but infusing it with the electric energy of rock, creating a charismatic and exuberant soundscape.

Known for his pivotal roles in pioneering groups Loose Tubes, Perfect Houseplants, and Polar Bear, Mark seamlessly integrates these influences with the introspective depth of his own earlier album, ‘In Deep’, the elaborate orchestral storytelling of 2019’s ‘Days on Earth’, and the imaginative indie flair of 2022’s ‘Dreamers’. The result is a captivating and visceral jazz rock fusion album that’ll have you smiling with pleasure.

This album is a narrative of resilience and optimism, an apt counterpoint to the tumult of contemporary living. It resonates with a unique character – a raw, unfiltered energy that underpins the refined jazz melodies. This fusion will appeal to all fans of British jazz and rock, offering a fresh, exhilarating experience.

Saxophonist and composer Mark Lockheart first came to prominence in the mid 1980s with the influential big band Loose Tubes. Since then he has played a prominent role in Polar Bear and worked with many of the Jazz greats. Days on Earth is his most ambitious album to date, wrapping 25 years of musical and life influences into a one career-defining album.

marklockheart.co.uk