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VIEW FROM ABOVE

Debut Album UBU0131 CD/LP/DL 

View From Above encapsulates Tristan Banks’ experience as a versatile artist, covering a range of styles that he has been deeply involved with during his career. Though predominantly jazz-led, elements of Latin and fusion influences can be detected, though this never betrays the core purpose, of which Tristan explains: “The idea was to push the acoustic jazz quartet format to the limit, being able to re-image the possibilities that the classic saxophone, piano, bass, drums line-up can manifest, and by being conscious of the sonic traditions that are typically replayed to confirm the listeners tastes while avoiding the genres timbral clichés.” This ambition has been manifested with distinction by Banks and his band of stunningly accomplished instrumentalists, ultimately resulting in an engaging and vivacious body of work that sets the standard for new jazz releases in 2023.

 

Tristan Banks brings together his long-standing musical friends (Paul Booth on woodwind, John Crawford on piano and Davide Mantovani on basses) to realise his vision. From very first listen, the synergy between players is undoubtedly apparent – each musician possesses an innate understanding of each other, using their intuition to allow each other to achieve full potential as individuals, while seamlessly gelling as a unit. This unteachable creative energy between players is a joy to experience.

 

View From Above was recorded live, with no click track or isolation recording techniques, demonstrating that Banks and his band are ensemble of the highest calibre, having captured this session in the moment as slice of time, the result of which is most exciting.

AlBUM REVIEWS

Word on the Street

“Impressive sense of immediacy” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BBC Music Magazine 

“It's one of the best UK jazz releases of 2023” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marlbank 

 

"From the opening bars of the album’s title track which kicks off in an energetic style with bass clarinet proclaiming the melody, we know that this album is something special." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ UK Vibe 

 

“A triumphant piece of work” Blues and Soul Magazine

 

 “A band of craftsmen playing the forms of acoustic jazz they relish, and their pleasure in that is infectiously palpable”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ John Fordham (Jazzwise)

 

“Human Rhythm Machine” Marcus Valle

 

“Where can I get those drums” Steve Winwood

 

"Much Loved, Much in demand" Chris Philips - JazzFM

LIVE REVIEWS

LI

“Banks kept the audience rapt as rhythms and tempos switched at will which all culminated in a top night at this special place in Soho “ Emrys Baird (Blues & Soul Mag)

 

“Impressive polyrhythmic onslaught” The Jazz Mann 

LISTEN & BUY
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