Evolution by Menagerie - Freestyle Records [FSRMENDIG01]

Evolution

Menagerie

A 2 track soul jazz single (11m 27s) — released November 3rd 2017 on Freestyle Records

#soul #soul-jazz

Lance Ferguson must surely qualify as a polymath, his varied musical skills & abilities reach across genres multiple projects. The Bamboos, Cookin' On 3 Burners, Lanu, Black Feeling are just some of the projects he has brought to the publics' ears, not forgetting of course his record producing, DJ-ing, radio presenting, songwriting and highly admired guitar playing.

The first incarnation of Lances' Menagerie project 'They Shall Inherit' saw the light of day in 2012 (Tru Thoughts Recordings) and established the simple fact that jazz of the contemporary type could reach back to it's essential roots and present itself, refreshed and vital for a contemporary audience. As Lance himself explains;

'The Arrow Of Time' draws its inspiration conceptually from the themes of space exploration, human evolution and the future of humankind. It's all pretty big stuff to be underpinning an album of modal Jazz tunes - but the main message is one of hope, and I hope that message and feeling comes across in the music. The post-Coltrane generation of musicians going into the 1970's and the sound of record labels like Strata East, Tribe and Black Jazz has been a massive influence on the music I write for Menagerie. To me that sound is timeless, exciting and just as vibrant as a musical format in 2017 - and the proof is that we're hearing more and more young musicians embracing it. 'The Freedom Principle' by definition has no limits and no use-by date"

2018 will see 'The Arrow of Time', the second installment of the venture released on Freestyle Records - the UK label rapidly establishing itself as a major force in today's jazz and related musics, being the home also for Courtney Pine, Jessica Lauren, and keyboard legend Brian Auger.

As a scintillating taster for the full length album - this 2 track sampler provides an exciting glimpse of the full project - Evolution features Lances' spoken word lyrics as voiced by Fallon Williams over a simply beautiful ensemble piece and The Arrow Of Time allows the collectives various enviously gifted soloists space to stretch out.

This is bloody marvellous!! - Jeff Young Jazz FM

Hooky and unpredictable, a flowing beauty of sweet noise - John Osborne Solar Radio/Jazz FM

The sound and style of 60’s and 70’s jazz, creating music that is timeless, unique, and well crafted. The entire project sounds, polished and unlike anything else around right now - Paul Miller BBC

Very good - full support. - Robert Luis Tru Thoughts

DEEEEEEP! - Dom Servini Wah Wah 45s / Mi-Soul / Soho Radio

This is beautiful! Really love - Marcus Rosario The Lot Radio / Mawkus

As expected this is fantastic! - Mike Gurrieri Mystic Brew, PBS FM

The opener oozes the revolutionary spirit ably abated by the flip side that stretches the third eye. So Good!! Radio Play is absolutely guaranteed. - Rich Chocolate scandinaviansoul.com / Soulvation Radio Show

I cannot wait to hear more of this innovative and stimulating sound. - David Owen Floradio

Love the 'Evolution' track with Fallon Williams sounding a bit late Terry Callier. Lovely compositions and powerful stuff! - Chris Welch Sounds Like This 93.2FM

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