shez Raja: Tales from the Punjab (UBU0077)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja for his album release, Tales from the Punjab, on 19th March 2021.

Shez is famed for his high energy live shows, unique Indojazzfunk sound and global jazz star collaborations with Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz. In addition, Shez was recently voted one of the top 30 'Hottest Bass Players in the World' by readers of Bass Guitar and Bass Player magazines.

Shez was born to an Asian father and English mother, on the Wirral, in the North-West of England. Classically trained on the violin from the age of 9, a few years later he traded the instrument for electric bass and hasn’t looked back since.

Educated at Leeds College of Music, Raja toured the UK with groups such as Elephant Talk and Loka before becoming a highly sought-after session musician.

In his formative years, Shez went on trips to the Punjab region of the Indian sub-continent with his father and explored the music of his roots, learning tabla drumming.

A regular at top UK venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Café as well as major international jazz festivals from Russia to New Zealand, Shez and his band have amassed a devoted following and forged a reputation as one of the most entertaining live acts on the scene today.

Shez’s mission as an artist is to be authentic with his emotions, develop his own unique voice and to explore the language of music to become fully self-expressed. He explains, “I believe the ultimate goal for a musician is to make music that is raw, real and from the heart, that moves and inspires people”.

For his upcoming album, Tales from the Punjab, Shez digs deep into his rich South Asian heritage to create his most exquisite and heartfelt recording to date. He describes:

“In early 2020 I went on an adventure, travelling around the Punjab to explore my South Asian identity and immerse myself in the musical culture of my roots. Little did I know, the world was about to change and I feel very lucky to have had what was to be a magical and truly enlightening experience.

“Whilst in the vibrant city of Lahore I was honoured to collaborate with some of the most accomplished musicians of the subcontinent, from young virtuosos to veteran classical musicians.

“For several days we shared a musical and spiritual journey together through ancient ragas, traditional melodies and free improvisations, creating a bridge between cultures with beautiful, exotic and timeless sounds. We cannot wait to share this recording with the world!”

Shez shares his views concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, saying, “I’ve been in admiration of how Martin Hummel has developed such a diverse and fascinating roster of world-class musicians. I’m now delighted to be a part of the Ubuntu Family, collaborating with someone who shares my passion for music and truly cares about artists. Martin has an ambitious and inspiring vision for the Label and I’m very excited about the future!”

Shez shares his views concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, saying, “I’ve been in admiration of how Martin Hummel has developed such a diverse and fascinating roster of world-class musicians. I’m now delighted to be a part of the Ubuntu Family, collaborating with someone who shares my passion for music and truly cares about artists. Martin has an ambitious and inspiring vision for the Label and I’m very excited about the future!”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, gives his perspective, “I’ve been an admirer of Shez, his music and his unbridled, infectious energy for some time now. There’s no one quite like him. When Shez told me about this project and I listened to his music, I was transported to an exotic land and became a part of its deep cultural roots. I had to join Shez’s journey. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Shez as the newest member of the Ubuntu Music Family and to share his exquisite music with the world.”