“Compositionally strong with robust grooves . . . Clouts deserves to be better known, and Umoya speeds that direction of travel along nicely.” - Stephen Graham
“. . . a life-affirming, musically-accomplished album.” - Adrian Pallant
“Precise ebullience and relaxed funkiness.” - The Guardian
“This melodic gem of an album is highly recommended.” - The JazzMann
The dancing exuberance of South African Township music, the convivial groove of gospel-influenced soul jazz, the joyful sway of Cuban guaguanco rhythms, the bluesy melodies of Middle Eastern praise songs, and so much more all come together in pianist Philip Clouts' superbly accomplished quartet....
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“Compositionally strong with robust grooves . . . Clouts deserves to be better known, and Umoya speeds that direction of travel along nicely.” - Stephen Graham
“. . . a life-affirming, musically-accomplished album.” - Adrian Pallant
“Precise ebullience and relaxed funkiness.” - The Guardian
“This melodic gem of an album is highly recommended.” - The JazzMann
The dancing exuberance of South African Township music, the convivial groove of gospel-influenced soul jazz, the joyful sway of Cuban guaguanco rhythms, the bluesy melodies of Middle Eastern praise songs, and so much more all come together in pianist Philip Clouts' superbly accomplished quartet.
Philip swings with rhythmic deliberation and a crystal clear sense of phrasing, while his strong, detailed, accessible, and appealing compositions result in a quartet whose playing is brimming with tremendous imagination, vim, and vigour. The soul jazz, funk, and World Music blend works a treat, and the music's overall upbeat nature makes it all the more enjoyable.
The quartet has released three critically acclaimed CDs. Sennen Cove blends Dorset’s coastline with Africa Latina flavours, while The Hour of Pearl features lilting calypso to driving Latin American grooves, hypnotic swirling melodies, klezmer, township rhythms and gospel.
The band's latest release, Umoya (from the Zulu word for life force), sees Philip's African inspirations extend beyond Cape jazz to Gnawa music, Afrobeat, pan-European folksong, soul jazz and even a smattering of drum‘n’bass. "A life-affirming, musically accomplished album,” commented reviewer Adrian Pallant, while UK Vibe called it “a revelatory experience".
PHILIP CLOUTS: Born in Cape Town, the music of Philip's homeland has stayed with him as he has continued on a voyage of discovery that has led him across all five continents, soaking up Caribbean calypso and the soulful strains of the Indian subcontinent while honouring and learning from jazz heroes including Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Charles Lloyd.
A key member of the popular London-based World Jazz ensemble Zubop and its offshoot ZubopGambia, Philip collaborated with BBC World Music award-winner Juldeh Camara to create a solid body of work with African roots.
Following a move to Dorset in 2006, Philip responded to his new surroundings with impressionistic compositions that complement and chime with his World Music interests.
SAMUEL EAGLES: Samuel studied at Trinity Music College under renowned musicians including Jason Yarde, Mark Lockheart, and Jean Toussaint, the latter continuing to mentor him for a further two years after graduation. He has also participated in Serious Music's flagship 'Take Five' scheme.
Samuel currently leads his own quartet, whose critically acclaimed debut album, Next Beginning, was released on the F-IRE label and launched as part of the London Jazz Festival. His sextet project, Spirit, released Ask Seek Knock on the Whirlwind label with longtime supporter Toussaint as a guest.
MARCUS PENROSE: Marcus is also a composer and teacher. As well as composing and performing with his trio, Aurelius, he is involved in many other projects, collaborations and bands, including Trio Manouche, Tim Kliphuis, and The Bonfire Band.
TED CARRASCO: Ted has performed with Gilad Atzmon and Alan Barnes at many prestigious London venues, including Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express Soho, the 606 Club, and the Vortex. He also plays with soul music titans The Baker Brothers.
Philp Clouts (Keyboard) Samuel Eagles (Soprano Saxophone) Marcus Penrose (Double Bass) Ted Carrasco (Drums)
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