Webster Wraight Ensemble - No Lucky Days (2013)

The Webster Wraight Ensemble is an unexpected and exciting project by deep house maestro Charles Webster and pianist and orchestral arranger Peter Wraight, the man behind the arrangements of the Matthew Herbert Big Band. Together they have created a storming jazz big band album with electronic influences and vocal contributions from Emilie Chick and Detroit's Paul Randolph (Jazzanova/Innerzone Orchestra).

From the bleak yet beautiful images of "The Ruins of Britain" to the wildfire, Latin tinged glory of album closer "Nature and Light", 'No Lucky Days' has the dynamics and flow of an old fashioned LP. It is however, much more than a pastiche of old big band values and traditions and manages to sidestep the well trodden clichés and easy answers of the genre both musically and lyrically.

The album features a full big band alongside; classical harp, piano and electronics, and a choir. The list of players reads like a who's who of top UK musicians, including saxophonist Dave O'Higgins and classical harpist Brian Wilson.

The songs were recorded in London, Nimes, Detroit and Nottingham by Charles and Peter using an SSL desk with vintage Coles and Neumann mics and was produced and mixed by Charles on a vintage Neve desk and in his own studio. They blend the subtle programming and electronics seamlessly with the acoustic instrumentation and vocals.