Seven Japanese Tales, by Joe Downard

Seven Japanese Tales

by Joe Downard

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AllanB This is fabulous. Bought it after reading the review in Jazzwise and giving it a listen on this page. Very different sound - obviously, incredible playing and the proggy synths create interesting dynamics. I like Joe's work in Waaju too - he's becoming as distinctive on the bass as Nick Blacka. And the compositions on here are also fantastic - great writing. Favorite track: Terror.

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Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
This is an exclusive, limited edition offer of the Seven Japanese Tales promotional Compact Disc (CD) for sale, prior to the release of the full CD album later in the year. Only 50 limited edition promotional copies will be made available and each will be personally signed by the artist.

Includes unlimited streaming of Seven Japanese Tales via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.	A Portrait Of Shunkin 09:09	info
2.	Terror 06:10	info	buy track
3.	Bridge of Dreams 05:21	info
4.	The Tattooer 09:32	info
5.	Aguri 07:33	info	buy track
6.	The Thief 10:02	info
7.	A Blind Man's Tale 10:24	info

about

Seven Japanese Tales is a suite of compositions inspired by the deeply lyrical and moving short stories of the great Japanese writer, Junichiro Tanizaki. The album explores bassist and composer Joe Downard’s interest in Japanese literature and features seven compositions, each named after one of the stories, bringing to life the narratives, characters, moods and dynamics through interweaving melodies, improvised passages, and lush soundscapes. The album features an augmented sextet lineup, including electronic elements and field recordings from Downard’s travels in Japan.

“If light is scarce then light is scarce; we will immerse ourselves in the darkness and there discover its own particular beauty.”

- Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows

credits

released June 12, 2020

Joe Downard - Double Bass / Synthesisers
Alex Hitchcock - Tenor Saxophone
James Copus - Trumpet / Flugel Horn
Will Barry - Piano
Rupert Cox - Synthesisers
Felix Ambach - Drums
Jon Moody - Hammond Organ
Todd Speakman - Space Echo

Recorded at Master Chord Studio, London
by Dougal Lott on 24th September, 2019
Mixed by Ben Mason
Mastered by Paul Jones

Produced by Joe Downard & Todd Speakman
Executive producer Martin Hummel

Cover illustration by Aby Downard

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about

Joe Downard London, UK

As one of the most in demand bassists in the UK, Joe Downard is widely recognised for his skills as a performer and improvisor. Joe has received much recognition for his contribution to the music scene he thrives in today, most recently being featured in ‘Taking Off’ for Jazzwise magazine in March ‘20. ... more

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