HARRY CHRISTELIS - Take Five No: 71
Can you tell us about your new album?
With this album I present my first solo release, showcasing a project I’ve been working on for 3 years working alongside the incredible Dave Storey (drums) and Andrea Di Biase (double bass). I have brought together a selection of my compositions and ideas to be fleshed out through the musical connection that we have developed over much time listening, rehearsing, and performing.
The longstanding collaboration between myself, Di Biase, and Storey started typically through a love of playing standard jazz repertoire, using it as a platform to explore a wealth of musical possibilities, and to develop a strong connection through improvisation. As concerts across London continued for us, I introduced my own compositions into the mix, blending my love of jazz tradition with that of folk and electronic music. Purposely keeping my compositions uncluttered, so to leave plenty of space for interpretation, I found my music taken to new heights by the masterful approach of Di Biase and Storey. I think this approach is evident throughout the debut record, with each musician having freedom to explore the vast space between the written notes, and using it to instigate highly interactive conversations between the instruments.
Though there are clearly many influences that span across the album, the music is tied together beautifully by a dreamy sound palette. Tracks like ‘Blues For Jo’ and ‘Stella’ are rooted in the compositional traditions of jazz and blues, while ‘Solenangis/Edits’ and ‘Zero Hours’ are explorations of free and modal playing. Yet, all compositions across the record are entwined by the an impressionistic and conversational approach, mixing bop-like melodies with lush sonic textures and drones. The album also includes five totally improvised short pieces, ‘Orbit’, ‘Ocean’, ‘Frenzy’, ‘Jelly’, and ‘Rhyme’, which came to be through the an experiment in the studio, using a chosen word to create a free and spontaneous piece of music (the chosen words are reflected in the title of each piece). Although these tracks stand on their own, they also act as beautiful segues between the written compositions, leading the listener through the ever changing energy of the record.
Thoughtful and understated in approach, and interjected with moments of fire and intensity, the album is a sonic journey through many colours and textures. Influences for this album span across centuries of music history from around the world, all brought together to create what we think is a truly unique sound. It is a record that deserves deep listening from start to finish to appreciate the journey, and I hope that you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
As well as the Moostak Trio project, I am also spending a lot of time working on a tune trio called Rubber Walrus. It is an exciting new collaboration between myself, Joseph Costi (keys), and Yusuf Ahmed (drums), and was originally formed through a mutual love of compositions by The Beatles and a desire to explore them. In a relatively short space of time rehearsing and playing concerts across London, this has already developed into something that feels quite special, reflecting our loves of jazz tradition, free improvisation, grooves from across South America and Africa, and electronic music, all tied together by the amazing compositions of The Beatles. Although this project is in it’s infancy, we hope to be getting into the studio this year to record our debut album.
With this album I present my first solo release, showcasing a project I’ve been working on for 3 years working alongside the incredible Dave Storey (drums) and Andrea Di Biase (double bass). I have brought together a selection of my compositions and ideas to be fleshed out through the musical connection that we have developed over much time listening, rehearsing, and performing.
The longstanding collaboration between myself, Di Biase, and Storey started typically through a love of playing standard jazz repertoire, using it as a platform to explore a wealth of musical possibilities, and to develop a strong connection through improvisation. As concerts across London continued for us, I introduced my own compositions into the mix, blending my love of jazz tradition with that of folk and electronic music. Purposely keeping my compositions uncluttered, so to leave plenty of space for interpretation, I found my music taken to new heights by the masterful approach of Di Biase and Storey. I think this approach is evident throughout the debut record, with each musician having freedom to explore the vast space between the written notes, and using it to instigate highly interactive conversations between the instruments.
Though there are clearly many influences that span across the album, the music is tied together beautifully by a dreamy sound palette. Tracks like ‘Blues For Jo’ and ‘Stella’ are rooted in the compositional traditions of jazz and blues, while ‘Solenangis/Edits’ and ‘Zero Hours’ are explorations of free and modal playing. Yet, all compositions across the record are entwined by the an impressionistic and conversational approach, mixing bop-like melodies with lush sonic textures and drones. The album also includes five totally improvised short pieces, ‘Orbit’, ‘Ocean’, ‘Frenzy’, ‘Jelly’, and ‘Rhyme’, which came to be through the an experiment in the studio, using a chosen word to create a free and spontaneous piece of music (the chosen words are reflected in the title of each piece). Although these tracks stand on their own, they also act as beautiful segues between the written compositions, leading the listener through the ever changing energy of the record.
Thoughtful and understated in approach, and interjected with moments of fire and intensity, the album is a sonic journey through many colours and textures. Influences for this album span across centuries of music history from around the world, all brought together to create what we think is a truly unique sound. It is a record that deserves deep listening from start to finish to appreciate the journey, and I hope that you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
As well as the Moostak Trio project, I am also spending a lot of time working on a tune trio called Rubber Walrus. It is an exciting new collaboration between myself, Joseph Costi (keys), and Yusuf Ahmed (drums), and was originally formed through a mutual love of compositions by The Beatles and a desire to explore them. In a relatively short space of time rehearsing and playing concerts across London, this has already developed into something that feels quite special, reflecting our loves of jazz tradition, free improvisation, grooves from across South America and Africa, and electronic music, all tied together by the amazing compositions of The Beatles. Although this project is in it’s infancy, we hope to be getting into the studio this year to record our debut album.
Click on the album cover to read our review
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
An album I’ve been listening to a lot at the moment is Chris Speed’s new trio album ‘Respect For Your Toughness’, featuring Chris Tordini and Dave King. I have always loved sax/bass/drum trio albums, and this trio is consistently putting out some of my favourites. They have such a unique sound, beautifully balanced between the soft and melancholic tone of Chris Speed’s sax and the intensity of Dave King. The overall feel of the record is amazing too, as Speed and King seem to pull the time feel in different directions, pushing and pulling it to the extreme as Tordini masterfully anchors it.
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
This is a very difficult question to answer! I could name countless albums, from Bill Frisell’s ‘East/West’ to Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Band Of Gypsies’, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ to Miles Davis’ ‘Complete 1964 Concert’. However, an absolutely huge influence I definitely should mention is Jakob Bro, and his albums with Joey Baron and Thomas Morgan. All the work they do together is incredible, and it’s their understated approach to music that really inspires me. Every note and sound made seems so perfect, either by the consideration of the player or the reaction of the others, and means that each track and album develops in a truly organic way. So I would highly recommend their albums ‘Streams’ and ‘Bay Of Rainbows’.
Who has caught your attention recently that we should be listening out for?
Just yesterday, I listened to a new project called Pulled By Magnets, featuring one of my favourite drummers Seb Rochford (Polar Bear). I only heard one track that has been released online, but it was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to hear the next thing that put out into the world.
An album I’ve been listening to a lot at the moment is Chris Speed’s new trio album ‘Respect For Your Toughness’, featuring Chris Tordini and Dave King. I have always loved sax/bass/drum trio albums, and this trio is consistently putting out some of my favourites. They have such a unique sound, beautifully balanced between the soft and melancholic tone of Chris Speed’s sax and the intensity of Dave King. The overall feel of the record is amazing too, as Speed and King seem to pull the time feel in different directions, pushing and pulling it to the extreme as Tordini masterfully anchors it.
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
This is a very difficult question to answer! I could name countless albums, from Bill Frisell’s ‘East/West’ to Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Band Of Gypsies’, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ to Miles Davis’ ‘Complete 1964 Concert’. However, an absolutely huge influence I definitely should mention is Jakob Bro, and his albums with Joey Baron and Thomas Morgan. All the work they do together is incredible, and it’s their understated approach to music that really inspires me. Every note and sound made seems so perfect, either by the consideration of the player or the reaction of the others, and means that each track and album develops in a truly organic way. So I would highly recommend their albums ‘Streams’ and ‘Bay Of Rainbows’.
Who has caught your attention recently that we should be listening out for?
Just yesterday, I listened to a new project called Pulled By Magnets, featuring one of my favourite drummers Seb Rochford (Polar Bear). I only heard one track that has been released online, but it was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to hear the next thing that put out into the world.
Listen to 'The Garden' by Moostak Trio / Harry Christelis on JazzTracks
