During the Covid-19 crisis Patchwork Jazz Orchestra have made a record 'The Light That Shines', all recorded and mixed in isolation from our homes! It's dedicated to those fighting the virus on the frontline. It's been a challenge but we are really happy with how the EP worked out.
Listen to the record here: https://sparklabel.bandcamp.com/album/the-light-that-shines
My compositional contribution to the album is a samba called 'Genmaicha' which I wrote for Patchwork's 'The Adventures Of Mr Pottercakes' album tour in early 2019. I remember really struggling to get going when writing it and a the bulk of it was done very last minute, being finished in the car from Peterborough to Sheffield. The parts were formatted in the sound check and printed at the venue... I've since added the shout chorus and soli. This piece was inspired by the wonderful music of Hermeto Pascoal and at the time I was also really enjoying the album VOX by Pedro Martins.
On 'Genmaicha' we're incredibly privileged to feature one of the UK's greatest jazz musicians and world-class jazz flautist, Gareth Lockrane and he's done a very special solo! The record was mixed by the wizard John Prestage from Air Studios. Enjoy!