Julian Argüelles saxophones
Ivo Neame piano
Sam Lasserson double bass
James Maddren drums
A dynamic outfit defined by its deftly executed tempo changes and improvisatory touches and have been likened to Keith Jarrett’s 1970s European quartet in terms of the level of improvisation and composition. Argüelles’ repertoire has been described as agile up-tempo sax invention, having lullaby-like reveries, simply stunning and standout! His writing has been compared to that of Holst, Elgar and Finzi and his appreciation of Spanish folk and South African music is prominent in his music.
Julian marked his first recording on Edition earlier this year with the critically acclaimed “Setembro” teaming up with Portuguese pianist Mário Laginha and Norwegian percussionist / drummer Helge Norbakken. The trio has been described as one of the most creative in Europe. Most of the compositions on Setembro are by Laginha. “Ultimately, this gorgeous album leaves the listener in a state of sublime tranquillity.” (All about Jazz)
Julian was also arranger and conductor for Phronesis and Frankfurt Radio Big Band’s acclaimed album, The Behemoth. Julian’s contribution to the record was highly praised by Downbeat Magazine: “…the star of the session is arranger (and conductor) Argüelles, who’s task was a daunting one…”
His latest album Tonadas has generated exceptional notices internationally.
More about Julian Argüelles
From his beginnings in the 1980s with the legendary UK big band Loose Tubes, through his worldwide collaborations, his quartet (Tetra), to his searching solo projects, Argüelles has always spoken with a unique voice. His recordings, compositions and award-winning arrangements have earned him the highest accolades internationally and wide critical acclaim. He has become a hugely influential figure to a new generation of European jazz musicians and continues to be amongst the most in demand musicians, composers, arrangers and educators.
Argüelles left the UK in 2015 to take up a Professorship at the KUG Jazz Institute in Graz, Austria. He is proud of his Birmingham / UK roots and in 2017 received an Honorary Fellowship from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in recognition of his contribution to music.
REVIEWS FOR TONADAS//
“Argüelles is a gifted artist currently in his sophisticated prime” The Guardian
“Tetra possess immense spontaneous fluency, but Argüelles’s atmospheric compositions complete their rich mix of improv and forethought.” **** The Guardian, John Fordham (UK)
“…the tracks, all originals, mirror the composer’s eclectic proclivities. More importantly, the album engages the listener at every level.” **** 1/2 All About Jazz (UK)
“What a mature, compact master in jazz from England and Europe!” NDR (DE)
“In short, a solid and lively album that reveals both the compositional skills, never predictable, of Argüelles… and the perfect integration with young and excellent musicians who contribute to give the project an unusual melodic freshness.” Jazz Convention (IT)
“The delicious opening notes…tell you something good is going to happen…one of Europe’s finest, most in demand, jazz men…this programme of sparkling, original tunes explores that Latin heritage” ***** BBC Music Magazine (UK)
“This is one tight band!” BBC Radio 3, J to Z (UK)
“The beautiful, gorgeous, haunting sound of Julian Arguelles…” BBC Radio Scotland (UK)
“On his new album the 52-year-old plays and composers in vivacious melodic mode, and above all as an elegiac poet…His pieces are harmonious and rhythmically highly complex constructs. All eight “tonadas” (songs) are wonderful to listen to and create a harmonious Euro-Jazz album.” Kulturtipp (CH)
“Tonadas translates simply as tunes…borne out by the sheer joy of melody making in Arguelles’s writing and by the way all four musicians make the music sing tunefully while exercising their collective creative muscle.” The Sunday Herald (SCOTLAND)
“a lyrical tenor and soprano saxophone excursion into his Spanish lineage” The Scotsman (SCOTLAND)
“The balance of emotion and form is just right, as it is on the album throughout.” **** Financial Times (UK)
“There’s an ECM-like sense of space here, too, and touches of the blues. But it’s the melodies, elegant and joyful, that linger. Superb.” **** London Evening Standard (UK)
“…a beautiful collection of lively chamber songs….This album’s music is elegant and warm.” Jazz Music Archives (ONLINE)
“With all the variety in the songs, ‘Tonadas’ exudes a Mediterranean atmosphere from start to finish…An album to enjoy in many ways.” Jazzenzo (NL)
“Tonadas is again a clear proof of the great class of Argüelles”. Written In Music (NL)
See more about Julian on his website at www.julianarguelles.com