Composer, trumpeter, and member of the UK-based jazz quartet Ruby Rushton, Nick Walters has recently released an explosive new jazz album, titled Active Imagination on Tenderlonious label 22a.

This recording is the result of a one day studio session, in which a gathering of forward-thinking musicians, with minimal rehearsal time, capture a highly improvisation and experimental in-the-moment experience. Each composition was written in a different mode, which helps highlight the unique brilliance of each member in the group.

Musically, the session is a brilliant combination of spiritual jazz and free-wheeling grooves, featuring fierce solos, hypnotic melodies, and funky rhythms. From the John Coltrane-inspired opener “So Long Chef,” to the West African closer “Dansoman Last Stop,” and everything in-between, there is definitely not a dull moment on the record.

The session features an incredible cast of musicians that include fellow Ruby Rushton bandmate Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne on both flute and saxophone, as well as tenor saxophonist Jeff Guntren, pianist Rebecca Nash (of ATLAS), bassist Nim Sadot (of Nim Quartet), percussionist Joseph Deenmamode (aka Mo Kolours), and Max Hallett (aka Betamax Killer from The Comet is Coming).

Overall, Active Imagination is an absolutely brilliant recording (my favorite so far of the new year), that continues to show why Nick Walters is one of the most respected and groundbreaking musicians currently in the UK Jazz scene.

Nick Walters — ‘Active Imagination’
(22a)

1. So Long Chef
2. Ahimsa
3. Gordian Knot (Part I)
4. Gordian Knot (Part II)
5. Dansoman Last Stop

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• Jazz
• New Releases
• Spiritual Jazz