Noemi Nuti: Venus Eye (UBU0042)
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the re-signing of vocalist Noemi Nuti to release her second album, ‘Venus Eye’, worldwide on 3rd March 2020.
Born in New York City, from Italian descent, Noemi’s musical personality has always been characterised by a fusion of Mediterranean and metropolitan sounds. She started her journey at eight years old, studying folk harp in Italy to then received a BA in Music from Brunel University on classical harp. Her fascination with jazz started in 2008 when she joined “Jazz Alive”, a project for young musicians led by Tomorrow’s Warriors (ESKA, Gary Crosby, Soweto Kinch, Orphy Robinson).
In 2012, Noemi graduated from Trinity College of Music, London with a Masters in Jazz. She studied with notable teachers Anita Wardell, Nia Lynn, Simon Purcell, Martin Speake and Julian Siegel and, since graduating, she went on to tour in Brazil. Noemi was also a member of Pete Churchill’s London Vocal Project (performing with Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler) and a Worshipful Company of Musicians Young Jazz Musician of the Year finalist.
Noemi’s debut album, ‘Nice to Meet You’, was produced by and featured trumpet sensation Quentin Collins and was the first release for the Ubuntu Music record label. The album earned wide critical acclaim. Various tracks received extensive airplay on a number radio stations.
Noemi toured extensively around the UK with her own band, as well as notable performances supporting Brazilian legend Marcos Valle, headlining on the closing night at Ipswich Jazz Festival, and as a collaboration with sax legend Jean Toussaint and pianist extraordinaire Liam Noble. Most recently, Noemi has recorded and toured extensively with Andrew McCormack’s Graviton, a contemporary prog-jazz ensemble.
Concerning her latest project, Noemi explains, “Venus Eye is the expression of a three-year journey I started in 2017. After the success of my debut album, ‘Nice to Meet You’, I decided to take some time off to go on an artistic, emotional and musical quest. I was lucky enough to spend this time listening, researching, practising and rediscovering my love for the harp.
This has shaped the music and, for me, this was the best decision I have ever made.
“It took 18 months to write the music as I wanted to challenge myself to write songs with strong vocal and flute layering arrangements yet preserving elements of improvised jazz music. As I was recording, I realised that the overall theme was one of the self-affirming female perspective, which is the only perspective I have. I am so happy to embrace this music as it developed naturally whilst I was seeking to discover what was within me at that time. I believe this honesty can be heard in the storytelling of the lyrics, the instrumentation, the arrangements, the compositions and the textures.”
Concerning the band, Noemi explains, “I couldn’t have picked more sensitive musicians to bring this work to life: their instinctive understanding of the what I was trying to say has really coloured the tracks in a way I couldn’t even dream of! Little was said about the songs, yet a lot was captured in the studio. I am truly grateful for their ideas, sense of space, rhythm and approach to the melodic content of the album, bringing their best to these creations.”
Noemi describes her relationship with Ubuntu Music, saying, “Signing with Ubuntu was such an obvious choice as the Label started with my debut album in 2015 and just seeing how the Label has grown exponentially over the years has made me excited to be re-joining the family and this incredible roster of artists. Martin (Hummel) is a powerhouse of enthusiasm, passion and positivity, combined with an ever-growing understanding of the industry, yet I believe his biggest strength lies in always putting the quality of the music first. I know my album is in safe hands. Freedom of expression is a priceless aspect to any artist’s career, and I can say that Martin allows each and every one to become the best version of themselves, enjoying the process of communicating who they are to the outside world. As always, Martin, onwards and upwards!”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music commented further, saying, “Ubuntu Music exists thanks to Noemi and her life partner, Andrew McCormack. What began as an experiment has ultimately created a vibrant, thriving record label with substantial international credentials. Noemi’s return to release her sophomore album is an honour, a privilege and a pleasure, as Noemi and her music are a celebration of the modern women and life itself. This is a substantial release that will be enjoyed by all who listen.”
