Mark Lockheart - Smiling (2024) [Hi-Res]

Mark Lockheart, at the forefront of contemporary jazz, unveils his latest album 'Smiling' with a stellar 12 piece ensemble - a vibrant fusion of jazz's sophistication and rock's raw energy - a refreshing antidote to modern-day chaos in the grand tradition of the great jazz rock fusions of the 70s.

Following in the footsteps of such British jazz rock pioneers as Nucleus, Mike Gibbs, Isotope and Colosseum , Mark Lockheart’s new project fuses flute (the great Rowland Sutherland) twin sax improvisations ( Empirical’s Nathaniel Facey) with electric guitar (John Parricelli) and a full brass and wind section of top players over rock steady rhythms (bassist Tom Herbert) and ex Robert Plant drummer Dave Smith.

Lockheart, in the vanguard of British jazz for four decades, returns with a triumph of sonic optimism on his latest album, blending edginess and rawness into the sophisticated tapestry of his sound. A masterful corrective to the chaos of modern life, the album weaves a narrative capturing the essence of jazz but infusing it with the electric energy of rock, creating a charismatic and exuberant soundscape.

Known for his pivotal roles in pioneering groups Loose Tubes, Perfect Houseplants, and Polar Bear, Mark seamlessly integrates these influences with the introspective depth of his own earlier album, ‘In Deep’, the elaborate orchestral storytelling of 2019’s ‘Days on Earth’, and the imaginative indie flair of 2022’s ‘Dreamers’. The result is a captivating and visceral jazz rock fusion album that’ll have you smiling with pleasure.

This album is a narrative of resilience and optimism, an apt counterpoint to the tumult of contemporary living. It resonates with a unique character – a raw, unfiltered energy that underpins the refined jazz melodies. This fusion will appeal to all fans of British jazz and rock, offering a fresh, exhilarating experience.

Mark Lockheart - tenor and soprano saxophone
Nathaniel Facey - alto saxophone
George Crowley - clarinet
James Allsopp - clarinet and bass clarinet
Laura Jurd and Mike Soper - trumpets
Jim Rattigan and Anna Drysdale - french horns
Harry Maund - trombone and bass trombone
Rowland Sutherland - flute and alto flute
John Parricelli - guitars
Tom Herbert - bass guitar and double bass
Dave Smith - drums