Matt Calvert - Million Seller [CD]

Cat. no: WR4816
Format: CD
Barcode: 5065014356296
Release Date: 29 Dec 2023
Genre: Jazz

Million Seller is the new electro-acoustic album and project led by Matt Calvert, one of the founding members of the underground alt-rock sensation Three Trapped Tigers

The inspiration for the project originated as Matt revisited his collection of early 70s releases by Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi group - some of the pianist's most overlooked and least understood albums. "The concept of Million Seller was to create a contemporary sound with similar elements to the Mwandishi band, putting the electronics and percussion at the forefront, merging organic and synthetic."

Mwandishi (originally a sextet, later a septet with added electronics) had three horn players: Million Seller has none, instead using three synth players: Calvert himself is joined by Stale Storlokken of free- form experimental legends Supersilent, and by the unclassifable improvisor Matthew Bourne. The line-up is completed by drummer Dave Smith, who brings his comprehensive knowledge of the Gambian tradition of Sabar drumming alongside his extensive jazz background, and a trio of guest musicians: Mamadou Saar on sabar and djembe drums, Kadialy Koudate on kora, and Sam Wilson on contemporary percussion.

The results are a striking fusion of ancient and modern sounds, of heavy yet playful synth interactions topped by driving acoustic percussion, of wild improvisation mixed with moments of ambient beauty, all creating a sonic identity that's every bit as unique, wide-ranging and unforgettable as its inspiration.

CD Tracks: Ostinato - Intro / Hornets / Sleepless Giant / Hidden Shadows / Rainmaker / Ostinato - Rituals / Water Torture / Hidden Deeper / Ostinato - Witch Doctor / Ostinato - Reprise / You'll Know When You Get There / Million Seller