Silvan Joray: Updraft (UBU0144)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of Updraft, the trio album from Swiss guitarist/composer Silvan Joray, which will be available worldwide from 3rd November 2023.

Silvan is currently based in New York City. He has gained recognition in the jazz community, having won special prizes at the UNISA International Strings Competition in South Africa 2022 and the Smietana Jazz Guitar Competition 2019 in Poland. He has performed at prestigious jazz festivals including the Krakow Summer Jazz Festival, Offbeat Jazzfestival Basel, and International Jazz Festival Bern, and has toured in Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Israel.

Silvan grew up in a musical family and began his formal training on the classical guitar, which he studied for eight years before discovering jazz and switching to the electric guitar. He was initially interested in playing jazz standards and influenced by guitarists such as Wes Montgomery. However, his studies with renowned jazz guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel at Jazzcampus Basel broadened his musical horizons, inspiring him to compose his own music. This eventually led to the release of his debut album, Cluster, in 2020, which was produced by Muthspiel and co-produced by Swiss Radio SRF2.

Updraft, Silvan’s second album as a leader, showcases his distinctive blend of traditional and modern jazz styles. His music is characterized by intricate harmonies, melodic sensitivity, and virtuosic improvisation – grounded by familiar jazz grooves. Every composition is opening up a quite specific world but at the same time allowing the musicians to deal very freely with the given material. Being largely interested in playing jazz standards, he also pays tribute to two masters of the genre – Cole Porter and Andrew Hill.

Nadav Erlich’s big double bass sound and Jeff Ballard’s distinct drumming complete the trio. Together, they tell stories that entice the listener with verve and vitality, transporting them on a musical journey filled with moments of playful interaction, dreamy melodies and quick-flying rhythms.

Joray is continually developing his style by experimenting with extended techniques like quarter tones and „tapping" which are not traditionally associated with jazz guitar playing. Most of the tracks on „Updraft“ feature these techniques to at least some extent, sometimes subtly within a musical phrase that otherwise would not be possible to play, other times extensively to create astounding soundscapes.

Silvan describes the idea behind the album: “When I was living in Basel, I had the chance to play with Jeff and Nadav regularly over the course of two years. Thanks to that we were able to develop our sound as a group and I wanted to use that opportunity to record my second album as a leader. I was very excited when Jeff told me that he would be down to do it! Both Jeff and Nadav are highly creative, and we constantly give each other a lot of musical material to improvise with while playing. I love this interactive and playful spirit that we have when we play together - this is truly my dream team."

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Silvan continues: "I’m really glad to have come across Martin Hummel’s great label and am beyond grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the Ubuntu Family. Martin’s commitment and passion are incomparable and I’m so happy that I found a new home for my music. I’m excited for what the future of our relationship will bring."

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, concludes: “Occasionally, you just get lucky in meeting someone out of nowhere who has the talent, the drive and the grace all wrapped into one. I was mesmerised by Silvan’s music and the way he shaped the narrative to ‘Updraft’. It’s a beautiful album and captures exceptional playing from Nadav Erlich on bass and, one of my favourites, Jeff Ballard on drums. We’re delighted that Silvan is a member of the Ubuntu Music Family.”