Description
Sharp Little Bones present Step Up! Get Down!, their second album of original music. Created from a shared desire to write and perform music that is unmistakably their own, the recording brings together memorable melodies, infectious grooves and adventurous improvisation. Featuring bassist and composer Simon Paterson, drummer Andrew "Woody" Wood, keyboardist Paul Deats and tenor saxophonist Tony Kofi, the quartet performs eleven compositions by Paterson drawing on today's thriving UK jazz scene whilst embracing influences ranging from Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis to South American and African rhythmic traditions.
Opening track 'Trent Fields' combines an earthy groove with memorable hooks, while the title track reflects Herbie Hancock's celebrated balance of groove, melody and harmony. 'Sola Mento' explores South American and African-inspired rhythms, 'Dream Capture' blends a Latin-influenced electric bass riff with a spiritual atmosphere and 'Snake Oil' juxtaposes hard swing with deep funk. 'Brie en Croute' reflects Wayne Shorter's approach to composition, 'Hook Up' is driven by complex compound metres, and 'Portman Pie' develops Miles Davis-inspired melodic ideas before moving into a spontaneous outro reminiscent of John Martyn and Danny Thompson. The album concludes with 'Lucidity', an uplifting finale inspired by the energy of Ezra Collective.
"For me, composing, arranging, performing, recording, producing and mastering are all part of the same creative process," says Paterson. "Being able to follow an idea from its very first spark through to the finished record is incredibly rewarding, and I'm especially proud of what we've created with Step Up! Get Down!"
