Saxophonist and composer Kira Linn is releasing her next album Illusion on April 7th with the renowned English label Whirlwind Recordings. In preparation for the album release Kira is releasing the single ‘Women To Sky‘ on March 2nd. The single is about female empowerment. “That's why I decided to release the corresponding music video on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8. I produced the music video very elaborately in collaboration with the director Geraldine Rodriguez and some female dancers“

The new album Illusion, by Kira Linn and her Linntett is an exciting mix of styles, in the context of which the German baritone saxophonist is treading several new paths.

“Over the past two years I listened to a lot of pop, indie, electro, neo-soul and R&B - Billie Eilish, Hiatus Kaiyote or Bon Iver, for example. Accordingly, these influences can also be heard in my new compositions.” Kira Linn

At the same time, Linn does not limit her discoveries to composing, but mixes the big picture with other ideas. For the first time, the trained musician sings and has written her own lyrics for a selection of songs. The instrumental ground for this is provided by the Linntett, which in addition to the Cologne band leader consists of Nino Wenger (as, fl), Christopher Kunz (ts, ss), Lukas Großmann (p, synth), Lukas Keller (eb) and Johannes Koch (dr). Also on board is Italian-German singer Francesca Gaza as co-producer, which gives the whole project an electronic makeover. "Illusion" combines synth, rhodes and electric bass sounds with acoustic elements of alto, tenor and baritone saxophone as well as drums. Soundscapes, noise and overdubs form additional stylistic elements, so to speak, as glitter of this highly interesting body of work. Stephan van Wylick recorded in the Osnabrück studio "Fattoria Musica", Swiss producer Patrik Zosso was responsible for mixing and mastering. The listeners find themselves in the midst of a combination of jazz gestures, neo-soul romanticism and latent-irreverent Nintendo pop - and the lyricism is just as contrary.

“During the Pandemic, many new feelings came up that I hadn't felt before. I also had a lot of time to think about issues like equality and climate protection. I put all these thoughts into lyrics for the first time on "Illusion". Anger and powerlessness, but also strength, diversity and freedom are core concepts that run through the whole album.”

The mentioned states of mind and their consequences can be found on the record in various forms; as extended saxophone improvisations, for example, by means of a one-minute speed song - or simply when Kira Linn sings beguilingly deep about the search for that certain something or the mutual support of women. But also in the design the different values were implemented: bright, strong colors and a bandleader, who takes a new form on every picture, testify to the multifacetedness of the album. However, the following applies: no mirage - everything is real. Just the way Kira Linn and her Linntett like it.

Kira is releasing a music video on International Women's Day on March 8 which we will be sharing on our platforms. Kira produced the music video in collaboration with the director Geraldine Rodriguez.

To follow and support Kira, please visit her website here

Composer, violinist and vocalist Claire Victoria Roberts releases the first single Swooping of Swallows from her upcoming album Inconsistent on April 6th 2023.

When asked to describe her music, the Barcelona-based artist, whose melodic jazz sound is steeped in classical textures, describes her effort to move away from boxed-in genres:

 “Composers are constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music to new extremes… but I wanted to pull the classical compositions I write in a new direction, towards something more intimate, improvisatory, lyrical, telling a story…approaching contemporary classical, orchestral and choral writing as a jazz singer-songwriter.”

Alongside young jazz improvisers James Girling on Guitar, Tom Harris on piano, and Jeremy Brown on bass, Roberts presents her musical smorgasbord in an original E.P. of 4 songs and 4 instrumental interludes, aptly titled Inconsistent. Special guest trumpeter Alexandra Ridout joins for 2 songs, and an orchestra of friends and colleagues in Manchester perform her lush, Hollywood-esque orchestral arrangements.

The release of Inconsistent follows a host of awards for her writing in the contemporary classical sphere, including a Jerwood Arts composer award, a Royal Philharmonic Society Composition prize, and a Young Composer award from the Welsh Music Guild. Critics have regaled her accomplished, sultry vocals and assured stage presence, at performances in Brecon jazz, Wall2Wall jazz, and Begues jazz festival (Catalunya).

The original compositions make up eight tracks which focus on the inconsistencies and inadequacies which make up our being, from Jealousy to Bad Decisions, to our distance from nature and distorted sense of time in the track Swooping of Swallows with its whimsical lyric: “a thousand stars which could be ours each night, But we can’t find the time.”

Four wordless pieces come in the form of an intro, finale and interlude, showcases of Roberts’s skilful and dynamic scoring, and the musicality of David Coyle’s production and mixing (Coyle’s credits include orchestral recordings for Classic FM and the BBC as well as production on work by Everything Everything). The intro throws wide open the stylistic gambit, taking us through microtonal soundscapes to sweeping melodies and straight back to the raw and intimate setting of agile vocals and Girling’s guitar accompaniment. Hard-driving swing on the bonus track Bad Decisions sees Roberts at home in the traditional scat and pizzazz of American songbook-style vocal jazz, a fast-tempo, tongue-in-cheek tune which unites effortlessly with Ridout’s horn solo.

More divergent in its origins from the rest, Jealousy encounters a singer speaking directly with her emotions, in a stripped down verse of guitar, harp and cello, before branching into layered vocals in a haunting choral finale. The piece is influenced by her much-loved singers and composers she encountered in the diverse jazz scene of Barcelona that continue to inspire her work, Rita Payes and Silvia Perez Cruz, as well as singer-songwriters who move freely between jazz and acoustic styles, the likes of Melody Gardot, Esperanza Spalding, Joni Mitchell.

“I wrote the songs and interludes during lockdown, when I was also working on several classical commissions, an operatic work and a piece for Radio 3. It was a time when people were so focused on self-improvement. I felt like I wanted to write songs which acknowledged the inescapable contradictions and inconsistencies we all have within us, and to do so musically too… when I receive a classical commission, do I have to treat it differently, as though I don’t listen to a million other genres, as if I don’t feel moved by the artistry of Laura Marling, Lianne la Havas, Laura Mvula…if I’m making a plea to my emotions as a singer-songwriter, why can I not include a reference to renaissance polyphony - who gets to decide which styles fit in which boxes? I am as inconsistent in my everyday thoughts and feelings and listening habits as I am in my compositions”

For further info Claire Victoria Roberts

Sunday Lendis is releasing her debut EP ‘Long Exposure’ on the 6th April. It’s an alluring electronic jazz-folk affair that explores the moments of light and darkness in-between life’s milestones

Sunday Lendis has been quietly emerging from the worlds of jazz, folk and electronic music since she started her solo venture in 2021 alongside esteemed producer and guitarist Ed Allen (Mabgate Organ Trio, Mamilah). Telling tales of hope and adversity, Sunday’s glistening voice weaves through lush guitars and iridescent pianos offering the listener a generous sense of reflection and humanity. 

Although brand new, Sunday Lendis has carved out a refreshingly original sound from an assorted list of influences including the works of Jasmine Myra, Snowpoet, Maria Chiara-Agiro and Bahla. As part of the bustling, cross-genre, creative city of Leeds Sunday & Ed began writing together in the depths of lockdown where their musical partnership began to blossom, exploring the intricate relationship between organic and electronic sounds. They are joined by prominent and distinguished musicians from Leeds Theo Goss (K.O.G, Ben Haskins Quartet), Joe Wilkes (Awen Ensemble, Yaatri) and Felix Burtulis-Webb (Yaatri, Platimo) who contribute effortlessly to this emotive and euphoric music.  

Her debut EP Long Exposure is set to release on 6th April, which includes a single release and vinyl pressing on Leeds independent label Come Play With Me in January. Already Sunday’s music has gained acclaim with her first three singles accumulating over 6500 streams, being performed live in session on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire with Emily Pilbeam and Deepest Blue featuring on Jazz FM as Yolanda Brown’s track of the week. The singles have been included on Spotify editorial playlists such as Jazz UK, Serotonin & Somewhere Soul's New Music Friday Playlist and have received praise from publications like Atwood Magazine, The Colour of Spring and Twisted Soul. Embarking on her self-booked UK tour this April, with her breathtaking EP Long Exposure and her captivating and consuming live shows, Sunday Lendis is one to watch in the new era of UK jazz.

Born and raised in Australia Sunday moved to the UK in 2010 and graduated from Leeds College of Music in 2020. Since then she has performed at events and venues such as Jazz Cafe, The Old Queen’s Head Islington, Brudenell Social Club  and festivals such as Green Man and Shambala Festival, Liverpool International Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz festival; and has worked with established Northern artists including KOG, Tom Excell, B-ahwe and Yaatri. Since the project’s beginnings Sunday Lendis has been supported by The Sound & Music Composers Award, Launchpad and Leeds Conservatoire’s Artist Development Grant.

Sunday Lendis: vocals, lyrics, composition

Ed Allen: guitar, composition, production

Theo Goss: drums

Glen Leach: piano

Jed Bevington: strings

Sunday Lewis on Facebook

Sunday Lewis on Spotify

Women in Jazz Media is excited to announce the release of the new album from Migdalia van der Hoven and the Migdalia van der Hoven Quartet, Point of Departure, which will be available worldwide on 05/04/2023.

Point of Departure

All tracks composed by Wikus van der Hoven. Album recorded by The Migdalia van der Hoven Quartet

Album recorded at Abbey Road Studio (London) and Battery Studios (London)

Track Listing:

1.  Point of departure

2.  Girl facing south

3.  Behind her mask

4.  G.M.T.

5.  PCH

6.  Savannah Rain

7.  Groove Therapy

8.  Red Skies

9.  Final destination

10. BONUS TRACK: Girl facing south (Reprise)

Personnel on each track:

Migdalia van der Hoven – Drums (Track 1-10), Percussion (Track 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10)

Johnny Mayers – Bass (Track 1-10)

Josh Stidwell – Piano (Track 1-6 and 8-10)

Wikus van der Hoven – Tenor saxophone (Track 1-10), Soprano Saxophone (Track 3 and 6),

Electronic Wind Instrument (Track 10), Synth programming (Track 3, 4 and 7), Piano (Track 7)

Point of departure is the debut album by the Migdalia van der Hoven quartet. A set of contemporary jazz fusion tracks with a wide array of styles and grooves showcasing each individual musician and instrument. It invites the listener on a journey with a satisfying conclusion and the promise of more to come.

Available here

Billie Bottle’s Temple of Shibboleth are delighted to announce the release of their eponymous debut on March 31st.

Born in lockdown, The Temple of Shibboleth started life when Billie Bottle ran away from Gifford’s Circus in 2020, and started caring for a wise woman in deepest Devon. Here, she was taught the ancient art of traditional housekeeping – it eventually became this melodic, deep and gently humorous music.

It tells the story of The Week, the most commonly and widely practiced mantra for a good few thousand years! It is a celebration of the Home and beyond. An opportunity for ritual transformation and a means to deal with the grief of these difficult times. It also features toe-tapping tunes and in-depth sonic experimentation - it's all going on!

The album is produced by hitmaker, George Shilling (Blur/Primal Scream/Yazz) and features the voice and bass of the Canterbury Scene, Richard Sinclair. Billie Bottle continues to incorporate a scintillating blend of jazz and pop in her work and The Temple of Shibboleth go in deep with a fine balance of mythic prog and psych-folk.

Billie Bottle’s Temple of Shibboleth is released worldwide on double vinyl and digital download on 31st March 2023.

Billie Bottle Bandcamp

Billie Bottle Instagram

Billie Bottle Facebook

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR TOURING PROFESSIONALS

‘I wish this book had been around when I first started touring … It should be the first thing we all pack when we head out on the road.’ Philip Selway, Radiohead

This comprehensive manual will help musicians and those working in live music to identify and cope with the various physical and psychological difficulties that can occur during, or as a result of, touring. It covers topics including mental health, peak performance and performance anxiety, addiction, group dynamics, relationship problems, dealing with the media, physical health, diversity and inclusion, crisis management and post-tour recovery.

Written by health and performance professionals, this timely and essential book provides robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies, resources and detailed illustrations. Each chapter is underpinned with personal recollections from musicians and prominent touring personnel, including Nile Rodgers, Justin Hawkins, Philip Selway, Charles Thompson, Katie Melua , Kieran Hebden, Jake Berry, Tina Farris, Taylor Hanson, Trevor Williams, Lauren Mayberry, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Digby, Will Young, Angie Warner, Dale ‘Opie’ Skjerseth and many more.

Touring and Mental Health is designed to be picked up, put down, read at length and passed around the tour bus.

‘This book can add decades to a career, give wisdom to the most exhausted mind, and offer encouragement to every burdened heart.’ James Ainscough, CEO Help Musicians UK

‘[it’s] like having a therapist in your back pocket. It helped deepen my understanding of myself as a performer and how the demands of the music business can take a toll’ Siobhan Donaghy, Sugababes

‘The perfect book at the perfect time.’ Marty Hom, Tour Manager Fleetwood Mac, Shakira, Beyoncé

‘A remarkable encyclopaedia of wisdom...  This impressive book needs to be read by every single artist and every single psychological worker as well.’ Professor Brett Kahr, Senior Fellow, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology

Publication Date: 23.03.23
ISBN: 9781913172343
Extent: 640 pages
Format: Paperback

Tamsin Embleton is an attachment-based psychotherapist and the Director of the Music Industry Therapists and Coaches (MITC). She worked as a music promoter, tour manager, and artist manager for ten years.

Link here