Simon Lasky Group - For the Dreamers (2024) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

For the Dreamers is an album by Simon Group Lasky, released by Ubuntu Music. This captivating collection of music showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of the group, taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey through various musical landscapes.

The album features a blend of jazz, fusion, and world music influences, resulting in a unique and innovative sound. Each track is meticulously crafted with intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that captivate the listener from start to finish.

From the opening notes of the first track to the closing moments of the last, For the Dreamers invites listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic experience like no other. The musicianship displayed throughout the album is truly remarkable, with each member of Simon Group Lasky demonstrating their virtuosity on their respective instruments.

The compositions on For the Dreamers are both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative. The group effortlessly weaves together different musical elements to create a rich tapestry of sound that is both engaging and deeply moving.

Listeners will find themselves swept away by the enchanting melodies and infectious grooves found on this album. Whether you're a fan of jazz or simply appreciate great music, For the Dreamers is sure to leave a lasting impression.

With its masterful musicianship, innovative compositions, and captivating performances, For the Dreamers is an album that deserves a place in every music lover's collection. Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical journey.

Simon explains his thinking behind For the Dreamers: “I think that, deep down, I always knew (hoped!) that I would spend some time in America one day; form a band there; do some concerts; and record an album. My only surprise is that it took me until my mid-forties to do it! I wanted to harness my love for many genres of American music, utilise local American musicians and compose music for that particularly confident way they have of playing. This is the resulting album!

“However, most of the compositions and arrangements on this record were penned during a very challenging time: I had some major health problems (which resulted in double jaw surgery), I lost my father, and - like so many of my colleagues during the global pandemic - there were times I doubted how, when and where we would make music again. Yet, throughout that time, music was there as a companion, a comfort, and a source of hope. When I was composing the music on this record, I was transported away from those challenging daily realities. Composing helps me dream! So, despite the challenging circumstances of its inception, the music on this record is unfailingly optimistic. It explores notions of heroism, flight, fancy and dreaming. And it's the 'American' record I always dreamed I would make!”

Regarding the music itself, Simon shares his perspective: “The music on this album represents many firsts for me, in my recording career so far: It’s the first music I've released since winning the 2018 British Composer Award (now Ivors Composer Awards) in the Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble category for 'Close to Ecstasy'. It's the first time I have recorded and released some of my arrangements, which appear alongside my own compositions. It's the first time I've recorded with a full horn section. And it's the first time I've recorded with vocals. The album is based around my core rhythm section of some of the finest players from the Tampa Bay jazz scene (Elias Tona - bass/Peter Mongaya - guitar/Jonathan Thomas - drums). They have a punchy and strident way of playing, and I have written with those strengths in mind. I wanted to feature horn players from both sides of the pond and, on ‘Closer to The Sky’, I have fulfilled a 25-year-old ambition of recording with a childhood hero and one of my favourite musicians (saxophonist, Tim Garland).

“I am particularly attracted to the idea of making a relatively small ensemble (the Octet on this record) sound as big and symphonic as possible. Weather Report and the Pat Metheny Group come to mind as obvious models for that 'epic' sound from small forces. And, as is always the case, my charts are through-composed, driven by a strong compositional narrative and I hope to take the listener on a journey. Maybe they can dream too!”

Simon Lasky, piano, keyboards
Peter Mongaya, guitars
Alejandro Arenas, bass
Jonathan Thomas, drums
Ona Kirei, vocals
James Suggs, trumpet
Aaron West, alto saxophone
Jack Wilkins, tenor saxophone

Tracklist:
01 - The Outsiders
02 - Everyday Hero
03 - Human Nature
04 - Half A World Away
05 - Closer To The Sky
06 - Bye Bye Blackbird
07 - Tampa Strut
08 - One Day I'll Fly Away


Thanks to the Original customer!