James Brady - Vesperados EP

Award-winning composer and jazz trumpeter James Brady’s first release on Turquoise Coconut highlights original music inspired by energetic Brazilian and Afro-Cuban sources, classical counterpoint and free-flowing melodic improvisation in the tradition of Gerry Mulligan’s chordless groupings. In a project with roots as far back as 2011, Vesperados centres around James’ compositions for tenor saxophonist Alex Hitchcock (‘An incredible saxophonist, with something very unique and original to say’ Walter Smith III), a figure of note in the European jazz scene with AuB, Resolution 88 and his own quintet. Joining them are fellow long-time collaborators: melodic and groovy bassist Edwin Ireland (Mosa Wild) and drummer/percussionist Matt Parkinson (Howl Quartet), who brings a deep knowledge and appreciation for the folkloric music of Cuba, Brazil and West Africa.

Taking a polyglot approach to music, James’ work has been heard on stages including the Barbican, the Gateshead International Jazz Festival, St David’s Hall Cardiff and the Nanjing International Jazz Festival. Drawing equally from classical and jazz traditions, he has worked with organisations including the Royal Opera House, Wigmore Hall and the Gabrieli Consort, as well as with Liane Carroll, Zoe Rahman, and his own Jazz Orchestra, described by London Jazz News as “the perfect blend of hip and nostalgia”. James’ writing has received accolades including the 2018 Eddie Harvey Award for Jazz Arranging, and a PRSf Composer-in-Residency at the Sage Gateshead, in which he composed a suite on Northumbrian folk themes for Jambone. James’ music has previously featured on Turquoise Coconut’s April 2020 release, Squirrels in Matchboxes, and was selected by Spotify for their ‘New Classical Releases’ playlist.

James Brady – all compositions, trumpet, flugelhorn, triangle | Alex Hithcock – tenor saxophone | Edwin Ireland – bass guitar | Matt Parkinson - drums

Released 17 July 2020 | Recorded on 3 April 2017 at PATS, University of Surrey | Recorded & mixed by Roy Cheung | Mastered by Aneek Thapar | Artwork by Michael Goodson

TCO016

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