Karim saber: transmission (UBU0156)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of guitarist Karim Saber, for the release of Transmission, his debut album on Ubuntu Music.

Transmission seamlessly combines Karim’s love of dynamic extended improvisation with evocative, memorable melodies. The music on the album was written in 2021and evolved over the course of a residency his band had at MAP Café in Kentish Town, London. Once Karim and the band evolved to the point where each show felt really different, he knew it was time to head to the studio and document the work that they had been doing.

Karim shares his thoughts about the project: “Whilst the written component of the music is important, the bottom line of the music we play is that you need a great band to get it off the page! I’m really proud to have a band full of incredible young musicians, all of whom I met whilst I was a student at the Royal Academy of Music.

“Alex Wilson is an incredible piano player. He has so much facility and puts that at the service of the music to provide the full spectrum of what I need from a pianist - be those evocative, improvised introductions, comping which encourages me to explore or his own high burning solo contributions.

“Matt Cook plays tenor and embodies the words ‘focus’ and ‘flow’. He brings so much fire to the band and is always willing to push himself right to the edge of his abilities to create something which is both beautiful and true to the moment. He was the last addition to the band but I knew I wanted to do something with him as soon as I heard him play my music.

“On bass, John Jones provides a foundation for our group explorations. His deep, rhythmic sensibility coupled with his incredible listening and decision-making means he is always capable of finding the perfect counterpoint to whatever else is going on.

“Jack Thomas is our drummer and is a musician I can listen to all night without getting bored. He brings an incredible intensity to everything he plays and is totally fearless!

“All that being said, I think you can probably tell I’m really happy with the musicians I have in my band. We’ve been playing together long enough now that when I start writing a tune these days, I hear them playing it in my head. This was the first album of its kind that any of us had recorded and going through that process with these guys felt really special.”

Karim shares his thoughts concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I had been aware of Ubuntu for a few years and knew they had an amazing track record for putting out exciting new music (Joe Downard’s ‘Seven Japanese Tales’, Trio HLK’s ‘Standard Time’ and Matt Ridley’s ‘The Antidote’ are some of my favourite recent releases!). What I was not prepared for was how encouraging and supportive they would be as I prepared to take this crucial step in my career. I feel privileged to have found a label that believes in my music and am honoured to be part of such an incredible artist roster.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I was first introduced to Karim through friend and bassist Jasper Høiby, who was producing Karim’s album. Jasper said I had to check this out, once they were ready. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Ant Law approached me, saying I had to get in touch with Karim. Once I had the headspace to properly listen to Karim’s project, I was utterly convinced. Karim’s music is a beautiful pronouncement of modern, contemporary jazz, delivered by a young, fearless group of musicians who blend so very well together. We are delighted to have Karim and his band join the Ubuntu Music family.”