Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco: Scribbling (UBU0095)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of guitar duo Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco for the release of their upcoming debut album, Scribbling, on 25th March 2022.

Harry and Pedro formed a guitar duo that explores and challenges the boundaries of improvised music. Theirs is a melting pot of jazz and folk harmony, immersive sonic textures, and calm, introspective moments that are interjected with wild intensity. In a world that rushes to excite and distract, their music focuses on taking time to develop and create space. This often-understated approach puts just as much emphasis on the notes that are not played, as the ones that are.

The partnership was born in 2016, when the two London-based guitarists came together for a concert and discovered a like-minded approach to music. Their musical connection has developed with each meeting since. They share a respect of jazz traditions but also a love of expanding these to incorporate elements from folk and electronic music, as well as ambient styles and free improvisation. Together, they’ve built a unique, intimate setup and found a way of conversing that’s equally unassuming and thought-provoking. 

They recorded their first album, Scribbling, in December 2020. The result is a truly distinct album that challenges the ideas of what a guitar duo should sound like. Some tracks might transport you to a sound world that feels like it belongs in outer space, others as if you’re immersed in the depths of the ocean. It is, however, a beautifully balanced piece of work that keeps its feet firmly rooted in traditions of the instruments and the music they are playing.

As Christelis and Velasco explain, “The music on this album has come together through years of individual self-discovery, and exploration of the endless possibilities that emerge from playing as a duo. Our shared influences and differing life experiences have brought about a harmonious musical relationship based on listening, space, freedom, and interaction. We feel so happy for how we’ve been able to capture this on our debut album ‘Scribbling’, and we hope that others will make their own discoveries when listening.”

Regarding their relationship with Ubuntu Music, they carry on to say, “Having our work supported by Ubuntu Music has been invaluable to this project. Martin Hummel’s deep appreciation for music and the jazz community makes it all the more special that he’s so excited about what we’ve created. We feel that our music is in knowledgeable, attentive, and caring hands.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: Harry and Pedro have created a hypnotic cocktail of improvised music that defines its own boundaries, while rooted in contemporary jazz. It’s a beautiful blend of seductive guitar duos that take you on an exotic musical journey. We welcome them to the Ubuntu Music Family.”