John Aram & The United Underground Orchestra feat. Joe Locke & Tim Garland

Rhapsody in Red

September 2, 2022

Release: September 2nd, 2022

Following over two decades of collaboration with artists from both the UK and Switzerland, British trombonist John Aram leads an all-star ensemble of some of the finest musicians in both nations and beyond in an exploration of jazz aesthetics

Rhapsody in Red is set to release on September 2nd and, amongst the stellar cast, showcases two giants of the modern scene in British saxophonist Tim Garland and virtuosic vibraphone master Joe Locke (USA). Along with vocalist Amy Keys, they provide the glittering focal point to a high-energy journey into contemporary large-ensemble playing. 

An homage to George Gershwin’s masterpiece ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, the album features original compositions, revitalisations of Garland’s older tunes and an original composition by Joe Locke.

Garland’s lush large-ensemble arrangements tastefully incorporate themes from Gerswhin’s suite and rework them into a dynamic and intricate new collection of songs. 

Rich modern harmonies reminiscent of Kenny Wheeler, propulsive Big Band-esque rhythms, blinding improvisations and a wide array of instrumental timbres make this an exciting and immersive listening experience. The powerful vocals of Amy Keys provide a counterpoint to the dense instrumental textures and give the record an uplifting pop sensibility. 

With the rest of the band featuring household names of the European modern jazz scene including Tom Cawley, Rob Luft, and Arthur Hnatek, the 12-piece’s impressive list of past collaborators includes the likes of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Phil Collins, Kenny Wheeler, Tigran Hamasyan, the Beastie Boys, Mike Stern, Van Morrison, and the list goes on. 

Aram hopes the record’s release will see these musicians regain momentum lost during the pandemic, and see the ensemble reunite on stage on the European club and festival scene in 2023.

 

cover

Line up

John Aram | trombone, bandleader

Tim Garland | composition, tenor sax, bass clarinet, flute

Joe Locke | vibraphone

Amy Keys | vocals

Arthur Hnatek | drums

Graeme Blevins | sax, flute

 Tom Cawley | piano, keys

Phil Donkin | upright/electric bass

 Tom Walsh | trumpet

Jeff Baud | trumpet

Matthias Tschopp | Baritone sax, bass clarinet

Rob Luft | guitar

Track Listing

Rhapsody In Red
We Got A Future
Black Elk
Ambleside Nights
This Is Just to Say
Little Psalm
Blues for Little Joe

UK Jazz

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Last Row Music

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POLIFONIA

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Jazz Views

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RDC Radio

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The Jazz Mann

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PJ Portrait in Jazz

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Action Jazz

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Jazz Weekly

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Verhoovens Jazz

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Musicalmemoris’ Blog

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Can this even be called Music?

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