Paul Booth: 44 (UBU0112)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the extension of its relationship with Paul Booth, the wonderfully talented saxophonist, for the release of his next album, aptly titled 44, on 15th April 2022 (his birthday).

From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists.

Paul’s ability to blend into any musical surrounding coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform with many well-known artists. Paul has toured, performed & recorded around the world with The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Barry Manilow, Warren Haynes, Marti Pellow, Derek Trucks, Eddie Henderson, Geoffrey Keezer, Clarence Penn and Ingrid Jensen. He has worked with Incognito, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band, Michael Janisch Quintet, the Ryan Quigley Quintet and so many more.

For his next release, Paul celebrates his 44 years on mother earth with the aggregation of two stellar quartets (hence the number 44) in featuring primarily Paul’s own compositions. Paul explains:

“Following on from my album ‘Trilateral’, recorded when I was 33 years old, 11 years later I thought ‘why not carry on with a theme’. My good friend Andrew Bain (also one of the drummers on this album) suggested recording a double quartet album, with both quartets playing at the same time.”

In terms of shaping the music for the album, Paul elaborates:

“I loved the challenge of writing for this double quartet, especially when it came to figuring out how I was going to use two bass players. We recorded five originals, two freely improvised pieces which in my opinion really show how these exceptional musicians listen to one another and finally a new take on Miles’ ‘Four’. In choosing the musicians who appear on this album, I wanted to have a combination of some of my long-standing friends/collaborators and some of the younger musicians from the UK jazz scene who have really impressed me. I’m extremely proud of this whole ensemble and the music we created in one afternoon and ‘live’ in one room.”

The double-quartet line-up consists of a broad, impressive array of top-notch musicians:

This project marks the continuation of the tremendously successful partnership between Paul and his record label, Ubuntu Music:

“This is my second solo album on Ubuntu and once again Martin has given his unwavering support and enthusiasm to the music we created. Since my first release 'Travel Sketches’ we have really bonded not only musically but as friends. We often share ideas and advice and this is exactly the kind of relationship with a label all musicians need. Although ’44’ will be my second solo album on Ubuntu, it’s actually the 5th album I’ve produced or co-produced on the label, including TRYPL and two Secret Sessions albums, ‘Fragile Eagle’ & ‘Hoop’. Long may this partnership continue.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shares his thoughts: “Paul is that one in a million individual who possesses immense talent and boundless energy to consistently deliver world class music and spellbinding live performances. Over time, our relationship has steadily grown from strength to strength, professionally and personally. It is both a privilege and an absolute joy to be associated with such an exceptional artist and all-round good guy. May it continue to infinity and beyond!”