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GWAWR, THE DAWN IN WELSH, IS A CAPTIVATING JOURNEY, MEMORIES AND FEELINGS SET TO MUSIC
British double bassist and composer Gary Brunton returns to the forefront with his brand new album, “GWAWR.” This eagerly awaited new album offers a wonderful immersion into the world of jazz, driven by original compositions and moments of palpable emotion.
Accompanied by saxophonist François Jeanneau, drummer Andrea Michelutti, and pianist Paul Lay (Emil Spanyi on three tracks), Gary Brunton once again takes us on a musical journey rich in emotions. Through “GWAWR,” the double bassist tenderly revisits significant moments of his life, drawing inspiration from the beloved Wales.
The album opens with “Fort Steven No.5” a vibrant tribute to a departed friend, skillfully blending modal jazz and funk, reminiscent of John Coltrane’s spirit. With “Tim’s Tune” Brunton earnestly addresses the pain of losing a loved one, demonstrating his resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout the tracks, “GWAWR” transports us to the streets of Gary Brunton’s childhood in Burnley, through compositions such as “Lansdowne,” evoking buried memories, or “Hawthorne” and “Ramsbottom CC” immersing the listener in the world of childhood games accompanied by the sound of cricket bats.
The album also offers moments of pure escapism, such as “Chant in the Night” an enchanting composition by Sidney Bechet, elevated by François Jeanneau’s masterful playing and Andrea Michelutti’s bewitching drums.
Gary Brunton reveals that “GWAWR” is colored by Wales, where he has lived. This album is also marked by nods, like “What a Dream” the B-side of “Chant in the Night.” François Jeanneau proposed this piece, highlighting Paul Lay’s stride piano playing.
Finally, “GWAWR” concludes triumphantly with “Song for BWB” a “latino”-inspired composition dedicated to Gary Brunton’s wife, Béatrice, perfectly embodying enduring love. Started just after their wedding, it took him 30 years to finish and reveal it.
“GWAWR” thus offers a captivating musical experience, driven by Gary Brunton and his accomplices’ undeniable talent. With this album, the quartet invites us to embark on their train for a journey into the heart of memories and emotions. The videos accompanying many tracks of the album are made with archival footage from the Brunton family, serving as a natural and authentic continuation of the album “TREN DYDD” (Juste Une Trace, 2023).
Gary Brunton - Double bass
François Jeanneau - Sax Soprano
Andrea Michelutti - Drums
Paul Lay - Piano
Release date : 26 april - available now
Produced by Gary Brunton for Juste Une Trace
Studio Producers -Thomas Savy, Serge Merlaud & Bojan Z
Recorded and mixed by Vincent Mahey and Arthur Gouret at
Studio Sextan
Mastered by Raphaël Jonin
All compositions by Gary Brunton
Published by Amoc
Except “Chant in the Night” and “What a Dream” by Sidney Bechet (Exclusive Publications Inc.) an “Poem for n°15” by Steve Khun (Stelk Music Co.)
Photos by Camille Huguenot
Graphic design by Corinne Garino
CO2NARD, THE MAGIC WORDS
Bagdad Rodeo, the band whose sarcasm is as sharp as guitar riffs, unveils its new single and clip, "Co2nard", from "Quatre - L'album sans fin - Part 1".
In a world where the oversized ego and the race for likes reign supreme, Bagdad Rodeo delivers a musical uppercut with "Co2nard". The lyrics, as subtle as a blow of mass in a porcelain of China, explore with delight the Kafkaesque universe of the influencers and their obsession for emptiness, nothingness.
«I spend my day doing selfies» sings Bishop Delatourette, offering a scathing observation on the life of social media stars, whose depth is equivalent to that of a puddle after a shower.
Targeting digital narcissists, Bagdad Rodeo strips the superficial layers of entertainment to reveal the cynicism behind it. “Selling my mother for knacki-shaped lips,” they say with humour as black as coal.
In this new trend where the good meets the bad, even the very bad, Bagdad Rodeo refuses to remain passive. Co2nard" is a call to action, a formula for all those who refuse to see society sink into darkness, greed and egocentrism.
Bagdad Rodeo, known for his outspokenness and commitment, does not hesitate to denounce this drift in "Co2nard" and thus invites the public to join them in their fight against this new form of social parasitism, where real talent is relegated to the background in favor of manipulation and superficiality.
Bagdad Rodeo still does not make lace, and "Co2nard" is the ultimate proof. Prepare to laugh, reflect, and question your own selfies.
More about BAGDAD RODEO
QUATRE – L’ALBUM SANS FIN – PART.1 by BAGDAD RODEO is here
GWAWR by Gary Brunton
Following on from the warmly received success of his last album, ‘TRÊN DYDD’, the British double bassist and composer Gary Brunton invites us to continue our musical journey, guided by the same talented musicians. In the form of a quartet, with French saxophonist François Jeanneau, Italian drummer Andrea Michelutti, young French prodigy Paul Lay on piano (and Hungarian Emil Spanyi on three tracks), Gary Brunton once again takes us to Wales, and evokes with tenderness pivotal moments of his life, drawing on personalities from his family and close friends. With “GWAWR”, Gary Brunton takes us back on board the jazz train.
The album opens with "Fort Steven n°5", a tribute to a tragically lost friend, blending modal jazz and funk with the spirit of John Coltrane.
Following this powerful introduction, Gary Brunton evokes a difficult moment in his life. With 'Tim's Tune', he points to the pain of losing a son and resilience in the face of adversity.
Composed and proposed by pianist Steve Kuhn, “Poem for n°15” refers to a baseball player, while “Lansdowne” takes us back to Gary Brunton's childhood address in Burnley, exploring memories buried in the street corners of his youth.
The album also contains moments of pure escapism, such as “Chant in the night”, a composition by Sidney Bechet, which transports us into his very special world and features the masterful soprano saxophone of François Jeanneau and the jungle drumming of Andrea Michelutti. For Gary Brunton, “GWAWR” was born out of the rich cultural and human experiences that he enjoyed during his time in Wales. “I lived in Swansea and have always loved the sound and rhythm of the Welsh language”.
Gary Brunton’s rendition of Bechet’s ”What a Dream” pays tribute to the golden age of jazz but is tinged with a touch of modernity and freshness.
“In the Paddock” invites us to relive the palpable excitement that reigns in a paddock before the start of a horse race. Inspired by family memories, “My dad and grandad were both passionate about horse racing, « the bookies » as they called them. Betting on the ‘Gee Gee’s’ (horses) was a daily routine but fortunately they only spent small amounts… and sometimes won “In 1957, saxophonist Benny Golson wrote the song Stablemates. This song was inspired by that Golson composition and uses the same chord progression."
“Hawthorne” and “Ramsbottom CC” take the listener back to the composer’s childhood, evoking the long hours spent playing with his friend Steven Fort in the streets of Burnley, lulled by the sound of “ leather on willow” (red ball hititing the cricket bat).
The album also features three compositions from “ TRÊN DYDD”. “Jonquilles” (Daffodils) is a new duet with Paul Lay. “Brew Ten” is a piano/double bass/drums trio, also with Paul Lay, and “Energy Master Loc” has a livelier tempo and no theme at the start, but is enhanced by a double bass solo.
These alternative versions offer an opportunity to appreciate the compositions from a different angle, with arrangements and performances that add nuance and variation to the instrumental music.
“GWAWR” culminates in “Song for BWB”, a Latin-inspired composition dedicated to Gary Brunton's wife Beatrice, closing the album on a note of love and gratitude.
Gary Brunton - Double bass
François Jeanneau - Sax Soprano
Andrea Michelutti - Drums
Paul Lay - Piano
Release date : 26 april - available now
Produced by Gary Brunton for Juste Une Trace
Studio Producers -Thomas Savy, Serge Merlaud & Bojan Z
Recorded and mixed by Vincent Mahey and Arthur Gouret at
Studio Sextan
Mastered by Raphaël Jonin
All compositions by Gary Brunton
Published by Amoc
Except “Chant in the Night” and “What a Dream” by Sidney Bechet (Exclusive Publications Inc.) an “Poem for n°15” by Steve Khun (Stelk Music Co.)
Photos by Camille Huguenot
Graphic design by Corinne Garino
REVOLUTION VENDETTA ON VIDEO
BAGDAD RODEO presents the video "Revolution Vendetta". A hymn to resistance and freedom. This incisive title is the first extract of the album "Quatre - L'Album sans Fin - Part 1".
"Revolution Vendetta" stands out for its bold words and rebellious energy, bearing the characteristic imprint of BAGDAD RODEO. The words of Bishop Delatourette and Christobal Sanchez del Rodéo testify to an unwavering determination to remain true to oneself despite external pressures.
"Still alive, still there,
Not ready to walk,
Not ready to shut my mouth in front of you
I won’t bend, I won’t change
The rodeo will win
Revolution vendetta, fist raised in front of you"
The video was directed by Bertrand Boissimon, in the cold, perhaps in the east. The sobriety of the images contrasts with the energy of the title. The quality of the photography is undeniable. Simple, raw, authentic: real rock that spoils. With words like "I’m not dead, you won’t get me", BAGDAD RODEO refuses to submit to the norm and continues to claim its identity.
"Revolution Vendetta" is a direct response to the current challenges of society, a call for perseverance and the defense of fundamental rights. The lyrics embody the vision of BAGDAD RODEO, a militant group that takes you on a rodeo of social satire and caustic humor.
"The fight is more relevant than ever, and BAGDAD RODEO will always be ready to take part. The exile is over…" says the group.
More about BAGDAD RODEO
QUATRE - L'ALBUM SANS FIN - PART.1 by BAGDAD RODEO is here - Release date 26 january 2024
REVOLUTION VENDETTA BY BAGDAD RODEO
The world of rock is often home to artists who use music as a means of transmitting messages of resistance and rebellion. In this vein, Bagdad Rodeo stands out for its vibrant commitment and determination to make its voice heard.
The enigmatic title "Revolution Vendetta" seems to be the mantra of Bagdad Rodeo, reflecting a call to action, resistance and perseverance. The lyrics express a categorical refusal to comply with established norms and a bold challenge to authority figures. «Not ready to walk», says the group, stressing a determination to follow its own path. "Revolution Vendetta" is now available on all streaming platforms and is featured on QUATRE - L'ALBUM SANS FIN - PART.1 (released January 26, 2024).
References to Baghdad and the "rodeo" add layers of complexity and can be interpreted in various ways. Baghdad, often associated with political conflicts, could symbolize the struggle against oppression, while the "rodeo" could evoke the tumultuous nature of life and struggle.
An Affirmation of Freedom
Bagdad Rodeo does not just resist silently. The words underscore the continuing desire to be there to be heard, to break censorship and to proclaim their rights. It is an ode to freedom of expression, to the will to say what many think quietly.
Fist raised as a sign of challenge
The imagery of the "fist raised in front of you" is a powerful symbol of challenge and opposition. It is a bold statement affirming the continued presence of the group, elusive to death, persistent despite the challenges.
A musical force of revolt
By combining powerful lyrics with explosive rock energy, Bagdad Rodeo emerges as a musical force of revolt. Their music not only draws crowds, but also inspires reflection and change.
Committed rock fans will certainly find a powerful voice in Bagdad Rodeo. Their hymn of rebellion, "Revolution Vendetta", resonates as a call to action, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, music can be a driving force for change. Bagdad Rodeo invites us to raise our fists, to resist and to fight for a world where freedom and justice prevail.
More about BAGDAD RODEO
QUATRE - L'ALBUM SANS FIN - PART.1 by BAGDAD RODEO is here - Release date 26 january 2024