Face to Face album launch ~ 12th August
I'm excited to be finally releasing my album Face to Face at Foundry 616 on Friday 12th August. We'll performing all the tracks from the acclaimed video series, including Queens, Whispers, All About KB, and Child, plus more.
Steve Barry - piano / Noel Mason - bass / Alex Hirlian - drums
Read all about the album here
Face to Face is saxophonist-composer Jeremy Rose’s fourth solo album and video series featuring pianist Steve Barry bassist Noel Mason and drummer Alex Hirlian. The album is a reflection on the connections we have with each other and the importance of real-life connections dedicated to those that are closest to him family friends and loved ones.
Face to Face marks Roses’ fourth album as bandleader a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Within & Without featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel. “This lineup has been playing regularly for the past few years” Rose explains. “I am humbled by what each member brought to this record and what we managed to create together. The album really captures the group at a high point.
”The album is a reflection on the way we connect with each other and the importance of real-life connections. Rose explains “We live in an increasingly connected yet isolated world. Whilst we are always reachable many have never felt more alone. I felt like I needed to reinforce the fundamental part of what makes us human – face-to-face connections. It’s a musical journey that steers our spiritual compass towards connections with others and placing value on what’s important – connections we have with ourselves each other and the wider world.
”The band premiered many of the new works after a period of writing during a lockdown in April 2020 for a live-streamed performance for International Jazz Day. Rose reflects “It was surreal coming together for the first time out of lockdown not having played together for some time and running some of the new material during our soundcheck. It was a bit of a whirlwind but the band handled it remarkably. There was something really special about that performance – an energy that had been pent-up for some time.” The album was later recorded in December 2020 along with a video shoot with Rose’s long-term collaborator-videographer Edmund Renew.
Rose reflects how the album is not simply a product of being locked down but a reflection on the important things in life. “We couldn’t have created this album pre-COVID but this isn’t an iso-album or reaction to the lockdowns. This album speaks to right now this very moment. It emphasises how grateful I am for the connections we have with one another which can’t be taken for granted. Face to Face has a little something for everyone – emotionally intellectually and musically. There’s a range of new compositions new grooves new melodies and some great playing. I hope you enjoy!”
Jeremy Rose – tenor saxophone
Steve Barry – piano
Noel Mason – bass
Alex Hirlian – drums
“Buoyant invention: never seeming to flag or to want for new ideas he is that rare thing an improvisor you want to hear more from… Jeremy Rose is one to watch on the Australian jazz scene…” ★★★★ – Jazzwise Magazine UK
“State-of-the-art acoustic jazz, impeccably performed, sanguine in nature, brimming with hope.” – Rhythms Music Magazine
“There is much fire and interaction to be found within their readings of the pieces which are both accessible and challenging.” – The Music Trust