The W: Portrait (UBU0122)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the upcoming release of The W’s debut album, Portrait, on 20th January 2023.

Featuring some of the UK’s hottest and most in-demand players, The W is a newly established London-based contemporary jazz quartet of outstanding musicality creating music that is as exciting and inventive, as it is elegant and sophisticated.

As vocalist for the Cinematic Orchestra for over 15 years and the go-to vocalist for acts such as Thundercat, Soweto Kinch and Chick Corea, Heidi Vogel has long been a critics choice for her extraordinary voice and velvet tone. Her sublime wordless vocals bring a contemporary, stylish sound to The W.

On drums is London-based New Yorker Gene Calderazzo, a leading figure on the international jazz scene whose vast portfolio include performances with Pharoah Sanders, Radiohead and Wayne Krantz to name a few.

On double bass is Italian Andrea Di Biase who has performed with many world-class cutting-edge musicians such as Stan Sultzman, Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler.

The group is led by composer and improvising pianist, Bruno Heinen who, to date, has released nine albums under his own name and worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, ESKA, and Julian Arguelles. The Guardian once described his music as “eclectic, eccentric and unobtrusively erudite” which is a fair summation of the original compositions he brings to The W.

Like the four equal lines that make up the letter ‘W’, the four members of the group come together as one voice to create a perfectly balanced and compelling new sound. They are a band in the true sense of the word. They meet regularly, learning the music by heart and shaping Bruno’s melody and groove-led compositions together.

Bruno Heinen, Professor of jazz piano and composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, is as much a composer as he is a pianist: He describes the project: “My compositional path has been one of self-discovery, learning and reflection. My writing informs my improvising and visa-versa. I have taken a long time to find my feet, having been involved with many collaborative projects in the past. These have been both rewarding and enriching, but over the last three years I feel that I have ultimately found my compositional voice writing for The W. Heidi, Gene, Andrea, and myself come from four unique and distinctive places musically - each member brings something different to the table, but I feel that these artists deeply understand my music. I am continuously excited at the prospect of writing for the band and am lucky that they are willing to get together regularly and learn my music by heart. This album is the culmination of that writing over the last three years, and I have drawn inspiration from personal sources for the compositions that make up Portrait; my four-year-old daughter, my ethnomusicologist grandfather, and the music of my former teacher John Taylor amongst others.”

Memorable lines, melodic grooves and eclectic references inform the album, consisting of eight original compositions – each one telling a personal story (two of which feature the renowned Waldstein String Quartet), alongside one Horace Silver arrangement.

Concerning his ongoing relationship with Ubuntu Music, Bruno shares his perspective: “I am so happy to continue my relationship with the Ubuntu Family. Martin Hummel has shown deep respect for my music and belief in this project. He has been with me every step of the way and I am certainly in great company on this exciting label.

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, gives his parting thoughts: “It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Bruno and the immensely talented band. Bruno is passionately committed to the music, his partners, and to bringing this project to a wider audience of people who have an appreciation for this collective talent. We are exceedingly fortunate to be a part of this, as we expand our relationship with this release.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Bruno Heinen – Piano/Keys

Bruno is a London-based contemporary improvising pianist, composer, and educator. He is professor of jazz piano and composition at Trinity Laban and has released nine albums under his own name to date.

Bruno has worked with artists such as Shabaka Hutchings, Eska, Denys Baptiste and Julian Arguelles amongst others.

Bruno has performed in venues and festivals worldwide and has recently collaborated with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle, for two recorded performances of Bernstein’s Wonderful Town at the Barbican Centre.

Heidi Vogel – Wordless Vocals

Heidi Vogel made her professional debut touring with Cirque du Soleil. She then joined The Cinematic Orchestra as lead vocalist and has toured with the group for over 5 years.

By 2007, Vogel had toured extensively worldwide and ended the year with a sold-out concert at The Royal Albert Hall. Festival appearances include: The Big Chill UK, North Sea Jazz, Coachella, Gilles Peterson Worldwide and Blue Note Jazz Festival.

Andrea Di Biase – Bass

Italian double bass player and composer Andrea Di Biase has worked with Dave Liebman, Julian Arguelles, Stan Sultzman, Antonio Zambrini and Norma Winstone.

Together with pianist Liam Noble, Andrea played in the last trio of the legendary British trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.

Festival appearances include: The London Jazz Festival and The Hague Jazz Festival. He is a prolific composer and his own group, Dugong, have toured extensively.

Gene Calderazzo – Drums

Currently residing in the

UK, New Yorker Gene Calderazzo has established himself as one of the busiest drummers on the international jazz scene.

Notable collaborations include Pharoah Sanders, Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Eddie Henderson, The NDR, Bheki Mseleku, Sting, Radiohead, James Moody, Benny Golson, Wayne Krantz and Eddie Gomez.