Umoya by Philip Clouts Quartet
The new CD from the Philip Clouts Quartet features rising star Samuel Eagles on saxophone and is one of the first wave of releases on the new jazz imprint from prestigious classical label Odradek Records.
Cape Town-born Clouts’ South African roots have inspired a voyage of discovery that has led to him soaking up the joyful passion of Caribbean calypso, the soulful strains of the Indian subcontinent, the exuberant sway of Cuban dance music and the tuneful essence of Gospel while honouring jazz heroes including Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Charles Lloyd.
As a key member of the popular London-based world jazz ensemble Zubop and its offshoot ZubopGambia ,with BBC World Music award-winner Juldeh Camara, Clouts created a solid body of work with African roots and since moving to Dorset in 2006 he has responded to his new surroundings with impressionistic compositions that complement his world music interests, resonating with strong themes and packing a mighty rhythmical punch.
On this album, entitled Umoya (named from the Zulu word for life force), Clouts’ African inspirations extend beyond Cape jazz to Gnawa music and Afrobeat, and further to pan-European folksong, soul-jazz and even drum ‘n’ bass. Joined by saxophonist Samuel Eagles, bassist Alex Keen and Yamaha Jazz Scholarship-winning drummer Dave Ingamells, he brings his musical journey alive with superb musicianship and infectious vigour.
“The best of British jazz” Chris Phillips Jazz FM
“Precise ebullience and relaxed funkiness” The Guardian
“A revelatory experience” UkVibe
“Clouts' compositions are strong and likeable. The quartet's playing is similarly engaging, a feeling of optimism pervading the tunes with a life force of its own” All About Jazz
“Compositionally strong with robust grooves…Clouts deserves to be better known, and Umoya speeds that direction of travel along nicely.” Stephen Graham
“…a life-affirming, musically-accomplished album” Adrian Pallant
Jazzwise: “His writing sounds detailed and the themes are extended… there's a lot to enjoy here…"
“This melodic gem of an album is highly recommended.” Ian Mann
Tracklist
| 1. | Lila | 5:38 |
| 2. | Dreamy Driving | 7:35 |
| 3. | Walking in Starlight | 7:07 |
| 4. | Meandering | 6:49 |
| 5. | Taranto | 5:17 |
| 6. | Umoya | 6:44 |
| 7. | Amor | 6:11 |
| 8. | Direction South | 6:00 |
Credits
Philip Clouts - Piano (and Wurlitzer electric piano on 3)
Samuel Eagles - Alto and soprano saxophones
Alex Keen - Bass guitar
Dave Ingamells - Drums
All compositions by Philip Clouts
License
All rights reserved.
Pianist and composer of uplifting melodic contemporary jazz with african and latin rhythms