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

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
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