"Upsticks are a reminder of the high standard of jazz up and down the country, Let's hope they up sticks and tour" - The Times.

"sure to appeal to a wide audience - Nice" - Plymouth Extra.

"accessible and challenging" - Plymouth Evening Herald.

"delighting in delicate traceries of sound, stimulating harmonies and compulsive rhythms" - South Devon and Plymouth Times.

Based around Totnes, Devon, the contemporary jazz group Upsticks has now produced its first CD. Recorded at the Royal Seven Stars Hotel it features the following personnel.


Sam Richards

composer and piano

Mick Green

tenor and soprano sax

Harry S Fulcher

tenor sax, clarinet and synthesiser

Tom Parkinson

electric bass

Dave Sheen

drums

Vicky Jassey

congas

The band has a wide repertoire of jazz classics but all works on this seventy-two minute CD are composed by the band's own Sam Richards. Sam's previous two careers as folk singer and experimental composer are just two of the tributaries that flow into Upsticks. Asked about his influences he will mention anything from Sun-Ra to Massive Attack with respectful references to AMM, free jazz, John Cage and Thelonius Monk.


LISTEN BEFORE YOU BUY

Listen to an mp3 snippet by clicking on the title.

1

Antique

Featuring the soprano sax of Mick Green. A folk-like melody strung out over a drone with latin sounding percussion.

2

Skipping

One to skip to.

3

Hold on Tight

A pop-like tune emerges out of a synthesiser texture and fades back into the mist.

4

178

A jazz-reggae fusion.

5

Out on a Whim

A whimsical melody breaking into free improvisation.

6

For Caroline

A showpiece piano number by band leader Sam Richards, giving way to a tumultuous riff featuring two saxophones and the whole band.

7

Age of Conflict

Shall we say a noisy little number featuring some wild synthesiser sounds and tenor sax? And that's not all.

8

Becoming

A point of repose. A lyrical gently rhythmic composition.

9

Way Out

A way out !?

 

Don't miss this one. It's a musical treat. What's more, you can buy it in some local shops, at our gigs and directly from the record production company below.


"UPSTICKS" can be obtained by sending a cheque for £12.99 (including UK postage and package )made out to "GREEN LTD" from

GREEN LTD

11, TORR CRESCENT

HARTLEY

PLYMOUTH

PL3 5TW

UK
e-mail - rdg@green.ltd.uk