Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - The Mild Mannered and the Mortal (2026) [Hi-Res]

Manchester-based bassist and composer Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley releases his second studio album, The Mild Mannered and the Mortal, on August 7, 2026, via Efpi Records. The concept for the record originated from a vivid dream in which the musician envisioned discovering a lost album by jazz legend Charles Mingus. Upon waking, Joshua recreated a melody heard in his sleep on the track "Toby would’ve hated this," subsequently composing a full suite of music designed to capture the feeling and joy of that imagined encounter.

To bring the project to life, Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley expanded his core jazz trio, Angle Shades (featuring pianist Richard Jones and drummer Johnny Hunter), into a sextet by adding a three-piece horn frontline: tenor saxophonist Kyran Matthews, trombonist Ellie Smith, and trumpeter Graham South. Recorded as single live takes in a shared room without isolation booths or overdubs, the session captures dynamic group interplay, spontaneous improvisation, and the vibrant energy of acoustic modal jazz.

Graham South - Trumpet (except track 4)
Olivia Cuttill - Trumpet (track 4)
Kyran Matthews - Tenor Sax
Ellie Smith - Trombone
Richard Jones - Piano
Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Double bass
Johnny Hunter - Drum Kit

Tracklist:
1. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Elvin’s Lullaby
2. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - 25 O’clock
3. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Can’t get a Luckin
4. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Rich and Catherine
5. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Lift Off
6. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - The Mild Mannered are the Mortal
7. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Toby would’ve hated this
8. Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley - Mr Relaxed