2019 Year End Review

&

A Look At 2020

In the big picture, 2019 will be remembered for some pretty horrific milestones in our world…

The impeachment of only the third American President in the history of US politics.

The definitive resolution that the UK would leave the European Union.

The threat that climate change that is more than just reality—we’re 10 years away from meltdown.

The protests in Hong Kong for democracy that have cost thousands of injuries and arrests to people seeking freedom in their own country.

In the world of jazz, 2019 was a year to be reflective and thankful…

=>The 60th anniversary of some of the greatest jazz recordings ever released:

Miles Davis / Kind of Blue

Dave Brubeck / Time Out

John Coltrane / Giant Steps

Horace Silver / Blowin’ The Blues Away

Charles Mingus / Mingus Ah Um

Ornette Coleman / The Shape of Jazz to Come

Bill Evans / Portrait in Jazz

=>The further growth and development of jazz in the UK, with London at the epicentre.

=>Ubuntu Music having another landmark year as a recorded music record label.

Over the last year, Ubuntu Music managed a staggering 29 releases--including new albums, singles and re-issues—from an exceedingly broad roster of exceptionally talented artists, of all backgrounds and geographies. The consistent DNA that runs through the blood of each of these wonderfully gifted people is the quality of their music and the strength of their character as musicians who are dedicated to their craft.

The major highlights for the artists and the Label are summarised as:

=>Albums of The Year

· Quentin Collins Sextet (Jazzwise, Mike Hobart, Jon Newey, Robert Shaw, Peter Vacher, Bebop Spoken Here)

· Leo Richardson (Bebop Spoken Here)

· Dave O’Higgins & Rob Luft (Bebop Spoken Here, Andy Robinson)

· Paul Booth (Bebop Spoken Here)

· Helena Kay (Downbeat USA)

· New York All-Stars (Downbeat USA)

=>Gigs of The Year

· Wandering Monster (Bebop Spoken Here)

=>Five Star Reviews

· Quentin Collins Quintet (BBC Music Magazine, Jazz in Europe)

· Leo Richardson (BBC Music Magazine)

. Wandering Monster (BBC Music Magazine)

· Andrew McCormack (UK Vibe)

=>All About Jazz Honours

· Mark Kavuma (Honourable Mention)

· Camilla George (We Can’t Wait Award)

Ubuntu Music was the featured Label on Ian Shaw’s Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show, which is broadcast around the world and featured on British Airways Flight Entertainment. Here’s the show:

Please click the grey Play button, above.

And USA’s Downbeat Magazine interviewed Martin Hummel on the perspective of British jazz labels and the American jazz tradition:

For the full article, please click on the image, above.

Perhaps USA’s Downbeat Magazine and Jazz in Europe Magazine summarised the essence of Ubuntu Music in saying:

“What’s clear across Ubuntu’s discography—aside from its own distinctive seasonings—is an interest in upholding the jazz tradition.”

--Downbeat Magazine

“Ubuntu Music has steadily become a label with a huge amount of talent under one roof!”

--Jazz in Europe

Ubuntu Talent continued to book a considerable number of shows for its artists, concentrating on premier London venues and key summer festivals, while personally attending roughly 100 live performances that year to support their artists and to discover new talent.

The Ubuntu brand continued to develop, becoming increasingly more attractive to recording artists, the media (previewers, reviewers, podcasters) and, perhaps most importantly, the audiences who spend their hard-earned money to support these deserving artists.

For the Ubuntu Family, 2019 was a year of expansion and prosperity for its amazingly talented roster of musicians. The year started strong and ended with a bang. Here are some highlights from 2019, followed by a peek at what’s to come in 2020.

REVIEW OF 2019

With the bar set very high from 2018--major releases from Mark Kavuma, Chet Baker, and Camilla George amongst many others--2019 began with a new band that made some big noise very quickly. Not to forget a fabulous 5 Star Review from BBC Music Magazine!

To listen to the album, please click on the image, above.

Wandering Monster / Wandering Monster

Leeds-based Wandering Monster hit the ground running and racked up +250,000 hits on Spotify with their opening track on the album. The band has a lot of fuel in the tank, with much to anticipate in the coming years.

Gwen & Tiana / African Time

Having met these wonderful people at Jazzahead in 2017, it was love at first sight. Their debut album--featuring Femi Temowo, Oli Rockberger, Michael Olatuja, Marijus Aleska, Soweto Kinch, Keyon Harold, Sonja Jobareth and Grégoire Maret--touched heads and hearts the world over. They topped off the year by winning the Best African Jazz Artist of The Year at the All Africa Music Awards in Lagos.

Laurence Hobgood / tesseterra

As Kurt Elling’s pianist/composer/arranger for nearly two decades, there were exceedingly high expectations for this seriously gifted artist. And Laurence Hobgood certainly did not disappoint. With the support of the ETHEL string Quartet, the album enchanted the listener with an array of music from the predominantly American and British contemporary song book.

Tom Cawley / Catenaccio

As someone who made his name in various circles, including his stellar work with Peter Gabriel, Tom Cawley came roaring back in the jazz sphere with Catenaccio, a suitably titled album laced with football references that reflect the pianist’s affinity for Lincoln City FC. The music, featuring Fini Bearman, Gareth Lockrane, Rob Mullarkey and Chris Higginbottom, brings back the best of Flora Purim and the electric side of Chick Corea.

Miguel Gorodi / Apophenia

Miguel Gorodi dug deep in creating his intricate, introspective album, Apophenia, which, loosely translated, means the tendency to mistakenly perceive connections and meaning between unrelated things. Oozing with an abundance of talent--including Gareth Lockrane, Michael Chillingworth, George Crowley, Conor Chaplin and Dave Hamblett--the album earned rightful praise from the media and musicians alike.

Bonsai / Bonsai Club

The Brothers Ingham, combined with the rocket fuel of Toby Comeau/Joe Lee/Jonny Mansfeld, delivered an intoxicating blend of jazz fusion and prog-rock. Hard work, combined with seductively accessible tunes and a long-and-deep tour, made 2019 a banner year for these young and adventurous musicians.

Andrew McCormack / Graviton: The Calling

Andrew McCormack continued to challenge and surprise his growing audiences with the second release in the Graviton series, one which follows the classic hero’s journey. With an all-star line-up, the formidable prog-jazz group rewarded its listeners with a release that was lauded in all corners, including a blistering 5 Star Review.

McCormack’s six-year relationship with Martin Hummel, Founder of Ubuntu Management Group and Director of Ubuntu Music, has been a particularly gratifying one, which is reflected in their deep mutual respect for each other. In 2019, Andrew decided to consolidate his back catalogue of releases with Ubuntu Music, which includes the first Graviton release (Eska, Shabaka Hutchings, Rob Mullarkey, Anton Eger), his trio releases (Troy Miller, Colin Stranahan) and his duo work with saxophonist Jason Yarde.

Rob Cope / Gods of Apollo

Sax man, film maker and podcaster Rob Cope has always had a fascination with space travel. With his first crew of Eliot Galvin/Jon Ormston/Rob Luft, Gods of Apollo is a celebration of the race to become the first to walk on the moon. A seriously clever and unique album concept.

Mark Kavuma / The Banger Factory

Mark’s debut album, Kavuma, took the world by storm. His sophomore release, The Banger Factory, was certainly no exception. Born in the heart of Brixton, the band is driven by delivering a good time to its audiences. Last year’s Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a case in point. With a stellar line-up of Mussinghi Brian Edwards, Kaidi Akinnibi, Artie Zaitz, David Mrakpor, Reuben James, Deschanel Gordon, Michael Shrimpling and Will Cleasby, The Banger Factory always delivers as promised.

Leo Richardson / Move

Leo Richardson also delivered a riveting second album on the Label. Like its predecessor, The Chase, Move dazzled the ears with straight-ahead bebop and earned rave reviews, including 5 Stars in BBC Music Magazine. The icing on the cake was their first US performance, at the prestigious Rochester International Jazz Festival, where they won over the hearts and souls of their American audiences and the media.

Paul Booth / Travel Sketches

Although best known for his work with the likes of Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Santana, The Eagles and Jamiroquai, sax man Paul Booth delivered a beautifully crafted jazz album that reminded everyone of just how good (and versatile) this artist is. Travel Sketches takes the listener on a voyage to various places where Booth has performed. Seattle Fall, the opening track, is a much-loved destination which is about to reach the 500,000-hit mark on Spotify.

Quentin Collins Sextet / Road Warrior

Another one to hit the touring trail was Quentin Collins and his premier sextet, with the aptly titled album, Road Warrior. With an array of exceptional compositions, co-written by Tom Harrison, the album boasted world-class talent, with US names like Dan Nimmer, Joe Sanders and Willie Jones III, along with UK stalwarts Leo Richardson and Meilana Gillard. Former Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint added the beautiful production touches that earned this release 5 Stars in BBC Music Magazine.

Joe Webb / Daydreamer

Pianist joe Webb took the plunge and released his first of three albums on Ubuntu Music. Featuring the rock-solid line-up of Tom Farmer and Shane Forbes, Daydreamer woke up the world to thoroughly enjoy a lovely range of original compositions, and a brilliant take on the Noel Gallagher song, Some Might Say.

Dave O’Higgins & Rob Luft / O’Higgins & Luft Play Monk & Trane

Talk about an unbeatable pairing…Dave O’Higgins (sax) and Rob Luft (guitar) teamed up with organist Scott Flanigan and drummer Rod Youngs to deliver highly unique and engaging interpretations of songs from the Thelonious and John repertoire. And they did it in a way that still has people talking. A top shelf release backed by a highly successful +40 date tour. A highlight of the jazz calendar.

Hakan Başar / On Top of The Roof

15-year-old Turkish piano prodigy Hakan Başar was discovered by Ubuntu Music on Facebook and the rest is history. With his core trio, Hakan released his first album to high critical acclaim, gaining substantial radio airplay and performing at the 2019 London Jazz Festival, Hakan’s first show outside of his native country. The show earned an exceptional review by London Jazz News. Hakan is now managed by Ellora Management from the US, which is also responsible for Ahmad Jamal and Hiromi.

Jay Phelps / SoulEndvr + Chaos or Commerce

Multi-talented trumpet ace Jay Phelps signed a three-album deal with Ubuntu Music for the reconfigured release of SoulEndvr, along with a brilliant line-up of NYC musicians (Nasheet Waits, David Binney, John Escreet) on Chaos or Commerce. Just around the corner is a live album recorded at Jazz in The Round in London’s Cockpit Theatre with Jay’s quartet. And anything can happen after that. Fasten your seat belt…

The New York All-Stars feat. Eric Alexander + Seamus Blake + Mike LeDonne /

Live Encounter

Recorded in London, this unbeatable line-up of straight-ahead kick-ass hard bebop took listeners by the head and made them beg for more. Led by tenor sax animal Eric Alexander, this band had never performed together prior to these shows, which drove these incredible musicians to dig deep and give it everything they had. The hope is to release more of the same in the future.

The Darius Brubeck Quartet / Live in Poland

In 2018, Darius Brubeck, son of the legendary Dave Brubeck, went on tour with his quartet in Poland, retracing his father’s footsteps from 60 years ago. Darius had accompanied his father back then, when he was just 10 years old, and even performed with his father. Fast-forwarding to the present, Live in Poland was recorded on the last night of their 2018 tour and captures the energy and excitement of this exceedingly talented group.

At the end of last year, Darius requested Ubuntu Music to represent the last four releases in his back catalogue, which are now available on the Label.

The Calum Gourlay Quartet / New Years

Scottish bass supremo Calum Gourlay has developed a growing following for his big band, with a monthly residency at The Vortex in London. Compressing this vast collection into a beautiful quartet is the essence of his first full album as lead, New Ears. Featuring an excellent calibre of musicians (Helena Kay, Kieran Mcleod, James Maddren), Gourlay has made a big statement about his music and where he’s headed.

To listen to the single, please click on the image, above.

**Mar Vilaseca / Cry Single**

Catalan singer/composer/pianist Mar Vilaseca was first introduced to the Label by the co-founder of The Orchard, Scott Cohen. And the rest is history. The talent of this young artist is obvious…Mar sings from the heart and touches our emotions on relationships to which we can all relate. Her full album, Find The Way, will be released in 2020.

A LOOK AT UBUNTU MUSIC IN 2020

Yes, 2019 was an exceptional year, for the Ubuntu artists and the Label.

And the trend continues into 2020 and beyond. Here’s a peak of just some of Ubuntu Music’s releases for this new year…

**Alina Bzhezhinska / Hipharp Project**

Jazz-meets-Afrobeat-meets-HipHop in Alina’s next project. A single is on the way and an album is in the planning stage.

**Hakan Başar / Hub Art Special Edition Single**

This 15-year-old whiz kid teams up with Yellowjackets Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy to deliver a searing version of Michel Petrucciani’s Hub Art.

Mezcla / Shoot The Moon

This Scottish ensembles provide varied strands of music mixtures to tease the senses. The eponymous single has already taken off.

Noemi Nuti / Venus Eye

From the person who was the first artist on Ubuntu Music, Noemi Nuti returns with a brilliant sophomore release, Venus Eye, a celebration of life from a woman’s perspective.

John Law’s Congregation / CONFIGURATION

With CONFIGURATION, all the kaleidoscopic parts of John’s musical life have come together–jazz, rock, electronics, classical–which joins together seamlessly. Captivating, anthemic melodies, mixed with powerful rhythms and grooves of subtle electronic soundscapes.

Andrew McCormack / Solo Piano Album

Andrew has had a burning ambition to release a solo piano album of his own work. In 2020, this will finally happen. Not to be missed…

Jay Phelps / Live

Jay Phelps recorded a burning live show in London, featuring his quartet. It’s now ready to be introduced to the world, with great anticipation.

Meraki / Debut Album

Meraki is a trio led by multi award-winning pianist and composer Jacky Naylor, complemented by double bassist Nick Jurd and drummer Jonathan Silk. The trio effortlessly travel through the various moods, emotions and complexities of Naylor’s original contemporary music.

Moyses Dos Santos / Debut Album

The Man is finally ready to unleash his debut album for the world to embrace. Moyses delivers a sonic cocktail of hip-hop, jazz, dirty funky grooves and rhythm & blues and is joined by some of the hottest talent in the business.

And Ubuntu Music will be releasing even more exceptional music in the year to come. Further signings will be announced shortly.

A CLOSING WORD OF PROFOUND GRATITUDE

This business doesn’t get any easier. It is exceedingly demanding, relentless and all-consuming.

However, jazz audiences are growing and streaming is driving overall recorded music growth.

Particularly if you are committed to doing it right, with dignity, respect and professionalism, whilst always putting the artists first.

Ubuntu Management Group and, within it, Ubuntu Music, started a few years ago as an experiment, by devoting our attention to the music we love most. That approach continues to work.

This would never have been possible without some extraordinary people who were patient enough and supportive enough to give us a chance and to continue to support us. There are many, but the few in particular we’d like to thank include--first and foremost—Emma Perry, our publicist/marketer, who works tirelessly to raise the profile of our artists. Chris Philips from Jazz FM--along with Ruth Fisher, Tony Minvielle and Jonathan Arendt, Simon/Paul/Nick/Sarah/James from Ronnie Scott’s, John Fordham and Dave Gelly from The Guardian/Observer, Kevin Le Gendre, Ian Shaw (you’re the best!), Seb Scotney/Peter Bacon and crew at London Jazz News, Mike Flynn/Jon Newey and crew at Jazzwise, the US Downbeat and JazzTimes Magazines USA crews, Jazziz’s Michael Fagien, Ron Moss, Marc Myers at JazzWax/Wall Street Journal USA, Fred Gluzman, The Jazz Mann’s Ian Mann, Lance Liddle at Bebop Spoken Here, Eddie Myer, Sue Edwards, Matt Ruddick at Kind of Jazz, Jane Cornwell at The Evening Standard, UK Vibe’s Michael and Tim, Paul Pace and crew (Jackie and Matt) from The Spice of Life, Roger Farbey and Chris May at All About Jazz, Jazz Journal’s Mark Gilbert, Gary and Janine, Chris Hodgkins, Sandy Brown Jazz’s Ian Maunde, Ross/Joseph/Luc from Pizza Express, Peter Beckmann at TechnologyWorks, photographer Tim Dickeson, The Sunday Times’ Clive Davis, Tom Harrison, Mary James, Monika Jakubowska, Steve Funkyfeet, Carl Hyde, Steven Cropper, designer Darren Rumney, Peter Freeman & Alan Hayward, the team at Sound Performance and the guys at The Orchard—Scott, Ben and Matt. And, of course, Simon ‘Goatious Foot’ Page, who never fails to surprise me.

Most of all, to the exceptionally talented artists, who make us look much better than we are at what we do and who help keep us feeling younger each year. You are the heart and soul of this venture. We are eternally grateful for placing your faith in us.

And lastly and most importantly, to my family for allowing me to live the dream. Love you, Leslie, Sabrina and Camila!

2020 will be an exciting year. Can’t wait to get started…

Martin Hummel

Director, Ubuntu Management Group

Remembering Harold Mabern / 19th September 2019 / R.I.P.

2019 & The Year Ahead