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“Compositionally strong with robust grooves . . . Clouts deserves to be better known, and Umoya speeds that direction of travel along nicely.” - Stephen Graham“. . . a life-affirming, musically-accomplished album.” - Adrian Pallant
“Precise ebullience and relaxed funkiness.” - The Guardian
“This melodic gem of an album is highly recommended.” - The JazzMann
The dancing exuberance of South African Township music, the convivial groove of gospel-influenced soul jazz, the joyful sway of Cuban guaguanco rhythms, the bluesy melodies of Middle Eastern praise songs, and so much more all come together in Capetown-born pianist Philip Clouts' superbly accomplished quartet.
Philip swings with rhythmic deliberation and a crystal clear sense of phrasing, while his strong, detailed, accessible, and appealing compositions result in a quartet whose playing is brimming with tremendous imagination, vim, and vigour. The soul jazz, funk, and World Music blend works a treat, and the music's overall upbeat nature makes it all the more enjoyable.
The quartet has released three critically acclaimed CDs. Sennen Cove blends Dorset’s coastline with Africa Latina flavours, while The Hour of Pearl features lilting calypso to driving Latin American grooves, hypnotic swirling melodies, klezmer, township rhythms and gospel.
The band's latest release, Umoya (from the Zulu word for life force), sees Philip's African inspirations extend beyond Cape jazz to Gnawa music, Afrobeat, pan-European folksong, soul jazz and even a smattering of drum‘n’bass. "A life-affirming, musically accomplished album,” commented reviewer Adrian Pallant, while UK Vibe called it “a revelatory experience".
Philp Clouts (Keyboard) Samuel Eagles (Soprano Saxophone) Marcus Penrose (Double Bass) Ted Carrasco (Drums)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
William Loveless Hall, Keep Colchester Cool, 87 High Street, Colchester, CO7 9, United Kingdom,Wivenhoe
