Oriole - Song for the Sleeping

'Song for the Sleeping' , Oriole's debut album, is a collection of original compositions that explores lines of connection established by the slave trade. The music draws on diverse influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas and unexpectedly forges a sound that defies the darkness of its themes with warm, extended melodies and songs imbued with imagery and emotion. Oriole's live outfit features top international musicians: BBC Jazz Awards winner Sebastian Rochford on drums, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrook, Ben Davis on Cello, Danish bassist Anders Christensen who also plays for Paul Motion, Afro Brazilian Adriano Adawali Itauna on percussion, Perrier award winner Julia Biel on vocals and finally the composer & leader Jonny Phillips on guitar. As you'd expect from members of the F-IRE Collective, guitarist Jonny Phillips' outfit includes artistry and adventurism in their vision of jazz, yet Oriole ultimately displays more lyrical and worldly traits than its contemporaries. (Jazzwise)