Matt Ridley

Matt Ridley on ubuntu music

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the continuation of its successful relationship with Matt Ridley and his premiere ensemble, The Antidote, which delivers an intoxicating combination of strong melodic and thematic jazz music in a live recording from the London Jazz Festival in 2022. The release date is 20th October 2023.

 This marks the third recording from Matt and The Antidote to be released on the Ubuntu Music record label.

 The Antidote was formed in 2019 as the next chapter in the evolution of Matt Ridley's oeuvre as bandleader/composer. Having worked with guitarist Ant Law extensively in his quintet and 'Art of Rhythm' trio project, it was natural to include him on guitar to complement the prog/rocky elements of the music. Saxophonist Alex Hitchcock, a dazzling young player, had caught Matt's attention. Tom Hewson, an old friend with a particular affinity for Matt's writing style, was another logical choice. Marc Michel came highly recommended and has fit the dynamic of the band so well that he continues to perform with the group, despite having relocated to Berlin post Covid/Brexit. The rapport developed in pre-production and recording the studio album in 2019, which can be heard in abundance on the record, continued to evolve and develop after the 18-month hiatus due to Covid. 2022 saw the band nominated in the 'Best Jazz Album 2021' category of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, perform a headline show at Ronnie Scott’s, sell-out their London Jazz Festival gig, and perform shows all over the UK.

Matt set himself the challenge of writing new material for the tour in the Autumn of 2022, and these new compositions comprise the suite which make up the first four tunes on the live album. The individual titles deal with various disparate current affairs and philosophies (as is typical with Matt's music): 'For Joan' is dedicated jointly to his grandmother and the late Queen Elizabeth II; 'Justice and Revenge are Very Different Things' is a quote from Coleman Hughes; 'The Frog Prince' recognises the issue of male marginality; 'Zelensky' recognises the resolve and leadership of president Zelensky and the struggle of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. The final three tunes on the album were previously released on 'The Antidote' and 'The Antidote Reloaded', and bear testament to the rapport between the musicians and the development of the music after several years of playing together.

Matt shares his thoughts: "I was so happy that the band has continued to perform in its original line-up, post-Covid. When lockdown hit, it was uncertain what would happen to my performing career as a whole, let alone the studio album (recorded four months previously). Despite Marc Michel relocating to Berlin, the original line-up has prevailed, and grown stronger as a result. The band feels so good to play with that I have been determined to keep the band going by writing and performing new material. The opportunity to record a live album has long been a dream of mine; something to capture the excitement of jazz happening right then and there, warts or no warts. This opportunity came almost by chance, when old friend and fellow Darius Brubeck Quartet bandmate, Dave O'Higgins, mentioned to me that he does live recordings. He happened to be free on the date of our gig, and the rest, as they say, is history..."

Concerning his extended relationship with Ubuntu Music, Matt explains: "I was equally pleased that Martin Hummel took the time (as he always does) to give the music a proper listen and decide to release the album on Ubuntu. Having received great support from the label throughout the release of 'The Antidote' and follow up EP, 'The Antidote Reloaded', I am thrilled that the next chapter in this band's history will be told via Ubuntu. It's clear from the roster of signings from the UK and abroad, that Ubuntu is becoming the 'go-to' indie jazz label in the UK. Long may it continue!"

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “I love Matt’s playing and his craftsmanship as a composer. The Antidote brings this all together so beautifully. Like Matt, I’m a big fan of recorded live jazz performance. There’s no place to hide and no studio overdubs to finesse. It’s terrifying and liberating at the same time. And these guys rose to the occasion to deliver something truly special. We’re thrilled to be releasing the third consecutive album from Matt and The Antidote, strengthening our bond as brothers of the Ubuntu Music Family.”

THE ANTIDOTE BIOGRAPHY

The Antidote are an exciting young contemporary jazz quintet, featuring leading lights of the UK scene: Alex Hitchcock on saxophone, Ant Law on guitar, Tom Hewson on piano, Marc Michel on drums and, of course, Matt Ridley on bass. All compositions are by Ridley; the music is firmly rooted within the contemporary jazz discipline, and also emanates both rock overtones and classical influences, evolved from decades of genuine passion for music. Matt inhabits his own space within the creative diaspora, being able to navigate a broad spectrum of inspirations and transform them into a vibrant and exciting sound.

Their eponymous debut album was released to great critical acclaim in 2021. In addition to rave reviews from coveted music publications worldwide - Jazzwise (UK), Downbeat (USA), BBC Music Magazine, Jazzmania (Belgium) Ivan Rod (Denmark) - the album was nominated for 'Best Jazz Album 2021' in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and included in the Jazzwise '20 best jazz albums of 2021' shortlist. 

2022 saw the band release a follow-up EP entitled 'The Antidote Reloaded'. The year included headlining Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, touring the UK, and performing a sell-out show at the London Jazz Festival, which was recorded. The resultant live album will be released in October 2023.