UK: SEED Ensemble-Driftglass (2019)

jazz re:freshed are proud to present the long-awaited debut album from emerging London-based collective SEED Ensemble. Formed in 2016, SEED Ensemble is a ten-piece project led by composer, arranger and alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi. Already a giant on the UK jazz scene, she is known for her work with all-female jazz septet, Nerija, and afrobeat jazz group, Kokoroko. Combining jazz with inner-city London, West African and Caribbean influenced groove, Cassie Kinoshi’s SEED Ensemble explores a blend of genres through both original compositions and arrangements. “SEED Ensemble is my way of celebrating the vibrant and distinctive diversity that has significantly influenced what British culture has become over the centuries. Projecting this new musical vision are some of London’s most up-and-coming young jazz musicians essential to the modern identity of British jazz including tuba player Theon Cross, trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey, tenor saxophonist Chelsea Carmichael and one of London’s leading guitarists, Shirley Tetteh. Across ‘Driftglass’, Kinoshi embraces styles both past and present to create something that we can call modern. Band members cut across race and gender with original compositions inspired by the social issues of our times. credits released February 8, 2019

 PERSONNEL Cassie Kinoshi – Alto Saxophone & Composer Miguel Gorodi - Trumpet Sheila Maurice – Grey – Trumpet Chelsea Carmichael – Tenor Saxophone & Flute Joe Bristow – Trombone Theon Cross – Tuba Joe Armon-Jones – Piano & Rhodes (WAKE (For Grenfell), Stargaze #1: KATIN, The Dreamkeeper, Interplanetary Migration) Sarah Tandy – Piano & Rhodes (Stargaze #2: LAU, The Darkies, Mirrors, Afronaut) Shirley Tetteh – Guitar Rio Kai – Double Bass Patrick Boyle – Drums Lyrics by Langston Hughes (The Dreamkeeper, W A K E (for Grenfell) Stargaze #1: LAU arr. of Eric Lau’s Earthing Out Additional Vocals (W A K E (for Grenfell): Jason Yarde GUESTS XANA – poetry/spoken-word Mr. Ekow – poetry/spoken word Cherise Adams-Burnett – vocals