PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.
Release Date: 24 April 2026
Label: MultiRingoRecords
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 0767062070371
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Description
Pianist, composer and educator Eddie Gripper's album, Americana, is shaped by a six-week hitchhiking journey from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, to Los Angeles, California. Featuring Patrick Barrett-Donlon (drums) and Clem Saynor (double bass), the album brings together seven original compositions and a single cover, Paul Simon's 'American Tune'. In summer 2022, armed with a tent and manuscript paper, Gripper and his childhood friend Henry travelled more than 8,000 kilometres down the west coast of North America, from the Arctic Circle through Alaska and Canada to the western United States. Along the way, Gripper sketched over thirty musical fragments, fleeting impressions and fully formed compositions that became the foundation of the album.
The opening track, 'Third Beach', captures rare stillness after weeks in the wilderness, while 'So Long, Oregon' reflects a near-missed reunion with a close friend. 'Dana' conveys the awe and vulnerability of standing high in Yosemite and 'One for the Road' honours loved ones whose memory accompanied the journey. 'Terminus' evokes the quiet melancholy of returning home. The closing 'American Tune' serves as a reflective summation of hope and disillusionment.
"Eddie Gripper is rapidly establishing a reputation for himself as one of the UK's most exciting young jazz pianists." - Jazzwise
Eddie Gripper studied with Huw Warren at Cardiff University and has since developed a varied career as performer and collaborator, working with artists including Iain Ballamy and Laura Jurd. Gripper's work often bridges different genres, notably through collaborations with Welsh folk artist Angharad Jenkins and with his band Hiraeth, finalists in the 2022 International Bucharest Jazz Competition. His debut album Home (Ubuntu Music, 2023) was critically acclaimed. His recent self-titled release with Elijah Jeffery blends progressive pop, indie folk and alternative jazz.
Tracklisting
Eddie Gripper
