Release date: 29 March 2024

Mark Lockheart tenor and soprano saxophone

Nathaniel Facey alto saxophone

George Crowley clarinet

James Allsopp clarinet and bass clarinet

Laura Jurd trumpet

Mike Soper trumpet

Jim Rattigan french horn

Anna Drysdale french horn

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

Following in the footsteps of such British jazz rock pioneers as Nucleus, Mike Gibbs, Isotope and Colosseum , Mark Lockheart’s latest 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 ‘Smiling’, a triumph of sonic optimism 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.