Flatbed Buggy by Rudy Royston

released October 26, 2018

Personnel:
Rudy Royston, drums
John Ellis, bass clarinet, saxes
Gary Versace, accordion
Hank Roberts, cello
Joe Martin, bass

Produced by Rudy Royston
Executive Producer: Dave Douglas

Engineered, edited and mixed by David Kowalski at Teaneck Sound Studios, Paramus, NJ, April 2018
Mastered by Kevin Blackler at Blackler Mastering, Brooklyn, NY, May, 2018

All songs by Rudy Royston (Rudy Royston Publishing / ASCAP)

Thanks to God, Shamie, Kinyah and Koleby Royston, Clara Royston, James Ervin Royston Sr, Paster James Royston Jr., Ron Miles, Dave Douglas, Anthony Branker, Ben Allison, Brian Blade and Fellowship, Bill Frisell, Scatman Crothers, John Lee Hooker, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Yellowjackets, JD Allen, Sting, Led Zeppelin, JoAnna, Dave Kawalski, Kein Blackler, Mark Micklethwaite, Robyn Ardagh. Thanks to John, Gary, Hank and Joe for their time and exceptional gifts.

Cover Design by Rudy Royston
Cover Buggy Photo by Isabella Oprete

Rudy Plays Canopus Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Gibraltor Hardware and Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets

Press quotes:

“Flatbed Buggy is a true masterpiece sure to elate the most discerning of jazz aficionados with its unorthodox and novel ideas and its unparalleled level of musicianship.”
– Sébastien Hélary, Nextbop

“Mildly sentimental, often cinematic, the program boasts a willful sense of grace that sustains itself, even when the momentum truly starts to percolate. The band’s cozy approach to interplay is spot-on, harking to pastoral beauty … utterly refreshing.”
– Jim Macnie, Downbeat

“… the quintet’s artistry is so richly imbued with intricate layers of melody and rhythm. One of the more memorable and enjoyable releases of 2018, to be sure.”
– Troy Dostert, All About Jazz, 4.5 stars

“Flatbed Buggy is one of those albums to listen to all the way through. There’s so much to “hear”, so many stories and histories embedded in this music that it’s impossible to appreciate what Rudy Royston has so majestically created on one pass through. At times stunning, at others times, joyful yet always melodic and rhythmically rich, this album deserves your full attention!”
– Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

“On Flatbed Buggy, there is room for full improvisation, as the quintet blends seamlessly, and the interplay keeps the mood invigorating. … There is a lot to like here, and Royston succeeds in setting a mood to explore one’s happy youth experiences with instruments seldom found together in a jazz setting.”
– Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition

“Who can resist the reedy mix of accordion and bass clarinet? Not me, especially when there’s a cello on hand to make like a walking bass or a singing violin. Wonderful chamber jazz writing, with moods ranging from bebop to Americana.”
– Paul de Barros, Downbeat Hot Box

“Royston has an unusual instrumental palette for this jazz-come-Americana-album-wistful accordion, temperate cello, smoldering sax. His unflagging attention to the beat defies most of the moodiness. But his playing directs each tune toward the satisfying endgame: a soft landing on the ear.”
– Suzanne Lorge, Downbeat Hot Box

“The leader wields as much power from his dynamic and often delicate drumming as he does from his enticing compositions, which elicit a sepia-toned, cinematic allure.”
– John Murph, Downbeat Hot Box