Description
Belonging is the debut album from drummer and composer Miles Pillinger, bringing together original jazz compositions inspired by the people, places and musical traditions that have shaped his life. Recorded with Olivia Cuttill (trumpet), Tom Harris (piano), Benjy Sandler (tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, flute) and Josh Vadiveloo (double bass), with guest appearances from Thandanani Gumede (vocals), Emma Marsh (percussion) and Helen Pillinger (tenor saxophone), the album reflects Brazilian and South African musical influences within a modern jazz setting.
The title track introduces the album's central theme, taking inspiration from Pharoah Sanders, Joyce Moreno and Abel Selaocoe. Featuring guest vocalist Thandanani Gumede, it expresses the album's message of community and hope. Inspired by Pillinger's time in Brazil, 'Olinda Meu Amor' celebrates the music, dance and culture of Olinda and Recife through the frevo rhythms of Pernambuco, while 'Mysterious Meat' offers a light-hearted account of travelling as a vegetarian in Brazil.
Family is another recurring theme throughout the album. 'Beryl', dedicated to Pillinger's grandmother, features a guest appearance by his mother, Helen Pillinger, on tenor saxophone, reflecting his family's musical heritage. 'Elvin's Beat' pays tribute to drummer Elvin Jones, one of Pillinger's greatest musical influences, while 'Momentary Peace' explores the brief sense of fulfilment that follows hard work and achievement.
The album concludes with the companion pieces 'The Other Side' and 'The Other Other Side', written during a challenging period in Pillinger's life. Together they reflect on uncertainty, resilience and personal growth, bringing the album to a thoughtful conclusion. "My whole life I've often felt like an outsider," says Pillinger. "Rather than focusing on that, I wanted to celebrate what makes eac
Manchester-born drummer and composer Miles Pillinger is a graduate of Leeds Conservatoire. Following the release of his EP Sunrise in 2023, he has established himself as an in-demand performer, working with Olivia Cuttill, Tara Lily, Mica Millar, Chip Wickham and Nikki Yeoh as well as the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Recent appearances include Love Supreme Festival, Ronnie Scott's, the Vortex Jazz Club and Peggy's Skylight. In 2025 he received the Peter Whittingham Award for Jazz from Help Musicians, which supported the recording, release and promotion of Belonging.
