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December 8, 2020In Welsh folk law, it’s said that “Annwn” (pronounced an:un) which translates as “The Otherworld” in English, is a world of delights and beauty, located on an island or somewhere beneath the earth. It seems a fitting title for the debut LP on Banoffee Pies Records from leading Welsh talent Tom Ellis‘ live jazz fuelled electronic music ensemble. Bringing together the tantalising talents of Mark Hand on Fender Rhodes/Moog, Michiel Renger on Tenor Sax along with Dave Elson on Reaktor and Ableton instruments/FX - the whole group has been brought together via their jams and performances at Freerotation festival over the last few years.
The 6 tracks that make up “Annwn” are the result of a 3 day long improvisation session that took place at Malt Barn studio in the Nanerth Valley back in the spring of 2019. Crisscrossing the soothing sounds and influences of traditional Jazz with elements of electronic experimentation, the opening tones of Renger’s saxaphone and glistening chords of Hand on Rhodes welcome you to “The Ministry of Universal Redemption” on the A Side, as it winds you into a gentle sway: sampled vocals making their soul saving salvo as Ellis’ rhythmic patter takes hold. “Rebels on the Way” ups the tempo as the Saxophone moves to centre stage along with well pointed Bass guitar as a hefty kick drives forward and twinkling keys sweep around the edges in complimentary fashion. Veering stage left , “The Dogs of Annwn” balance off-pitch electronics with snaking percussion before finding a new level: the Rhodes once again strikes with lush aplomb and the Saxophone peers through.
Over on the B Side, the wistful timbre of “You Started” balances breathy females vocals with unfurling brushy drums and entrancing chord progressions: an ode to the St Germain’s soulful past as they walk hand in hand with Matthew Herbert down a Parisien boulevard. Not getting too comfortable, “A Little Bit of Real” jumps down to Hip Hop tempo – injecting a fresh sense of urgency as staccato Sax notes leads over what feels like looped up keys and bass, before breaking into full solo jam mode. All carried by Ellis’ cool on bass. Last but not least, “The Uncanny Valley” ends the LP on the upbeat, mixing experimental edge with urgent pulse and Rhodes key fusion – all interspersed with dubby incidentals Discogs
The 6 tracks that make up “Annwn” are the result of a 3 day long improvisation session that took place at Malt Barn studio in the Nanerth Valley back in the spring of 2019. Crisscrossing the soothing sounds and influences of traditional Jazz with elements of electronic experimentation, the opening tones of Renger’s saxaphone and glistening chords of Hand on Rhodes welcome you to “The Ministry of Universal Redemption” on the A Side, as it winds you into a gentle sway: sampled vocals making their soul saving salvo as Ellis’ rhythmic patter takes hold. “Rebels on the Way” ups the tempo as the Saxophone moves to centre stage along with well pointed Bass guitar as a hefty kick drives forward and twinkling keys sweep around the edges in complimentary fashion. Veering stage left , “The Dogs of Annwn” balance off-pitch electronics with snaking percussion before finding a new level: the Rhodes once again strikes with lush aplomb and the Saxophone peers through.
Over on the B Side, the wistful timbre of “You Started” balances breathy females vocals with unfurling brushy drums and entrancing chord progressions: an ode to the St Germain’s soulful past as they walk hand in hand with Matthew Herbert down a Parisien boulevard. Not getting too comfortable, “A Little Bit of Real” jumps down to Hip Hop tempo – injecting a fresh sense of urgency as staccato Sax notes leads over what feels like looped up keys and bass, before breaking into full solo jam mode. All carried by Ellis’ cool on bass. Last but not least, “The Uncanny Valley” ends the LP on the upbeat, mixing experimental edge with urgent pulse and Rhodes key fusion – all interspersed with dubby incidentals Discogs
Soul State Jazz
Annwn
2020 - EP
[00:00] A1. The Ministry Of Universal Redemption
[07:42] A2. Rebels On The Way
[13:07] A3. The Dogs Of Annwn
[18:54] B1. You Started
[24:31] B2. A Little Bit Of Real
[32:00] B3. The Uncanny Valley
Credits:
Tom Ellis - Drums, Percussion, Bass, Synths, Production & Arrangement.
Mark Hand - Fender Rhodes & Synths
Michiel Renger - Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Bass on B3
Dave Elson - Atmosphere, FX and Percussion.
Also featuring:
Mike Mason - Atmosphere and FX.
Jessie Grace - Vocals
Chris Gibson - Guitar on A2
Bugu Pala - Vocal on A3 outro
Label: Banoffee Pies Records
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