Splendid Isolation, by John Rae and Ben Wilcock

Splendid Isolation

by John Rae and Ben Wilcock

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Full Digital Discography

13

releases

Get all 13 THICK Records NZ releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of EXIT 430, Sneaky Weasel, Splendid Isolation, Questions in Red, The River Tethys, Beware The Feet, Celtic Feet, The Boss Has Lost It, and 5 more. , and , .

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1.	Intro 00:19	buy track
2.	Apple Road 03:10	buy track
3.	From Here to There 05:19	buy track
4.	Say It With A Smile 05:47	buy track
5.	Tak a Minute 01:12	buy track
6.	The Expanse 03:24	buy track
7.	Try Tone 02:53	buy track
8.	Splendid Isolation 05:09	buy track
9.	Archie's Rumble 02:40	buy track
10.	Yes 02:16	buy track
11.	Position Normal 06:08	buy track
12.	Esperar 03:05	buy track
13.	Always Alone 04:24	buy track
14.	Brainiac 04:05	buy track
15.	Daddy, what did you do in the war? 03:41	buy track

about

New Zealand composers and musicians John Rae and Ben Wilcock have produced a stunning 14 song collaboration of original material. Joined by the celebrated New Zealand bassist, Patrick Bleakley the album has been described as "beguiling" (PBS, The Modernist)

Featuring guest artists Scottish guitarist Kevin Murray, former Black Seeds Irish based saxophonist Jabin Ward and multi instrumentalist Daniel Yeabsley, this is jazz for the 21st Century. Ebbing and flowing between chaos and beauty this album will take the listener to places they never expected. A truly unique take on contemporary jazz.

Recorded over two years, with contributions from Scotland, Ireland and different parts of New Zealand, Splendid Isolation takes traditional acoustic forms and bends them in a way only these two highly original composers could.

The album begins with three of Rae's compositions; 'Apple Road', the title a homage to Ronnie Rae (John's father and well known Scottish bass player), the more contemporary 'From Here to There' and a sonic trip for the listener 'Say it with a Smile'.

'Tak a minute', also one of Rae's compositions, is based on the Indian rhythmic syllabic method of Konnakol.

Wilcock's 'The Expanse' is an emotive ballad depicting the vastness of space.

Rae's 'Tri Tone' features an elegant verse up front from bass player Patrick Bleakley...someday there'll be no more trouble...

The title track takes the listener on a journey from a traditional jazz quartet setting into something totally unexpected, a theme throughout the album.

Wilcock's 'Archie's Ramble' and Rae's 'Yes' are the two up tempo tracks on the album, which are followed by the ever bluesy 'Position Normal' and 'Always Alone Together'.

On 'Esperar' the listener is treated to kiwi saxophonist Jabin Ward's emotive creativity, a track which also features well known Scottish guitarist Kevin Murray.

The album concludes with 'Brainiac', again featuring Wilcock and Murray. This up tempo highly energetic waltz concludes the album before Rae poses the question - 'Daddy, what did you do in the war?'

John Rae - drums

Ben Wilcock - piano

Patrick Bleakley - bass

Dan Yeabsley - sax and bass (track 8)

Jabin Ward - sax (track 13 )

Kevin Murray - guitar (tracks 8, 13, 14)

Artwork by Riley Claxton

www.rileyclaxton.com

Recorded by Benni Kruger and Lorenzo Bhune at Sandbox Studio, Wellington 2022

sandboxstudio.co.nz

Mastered by Kevin Murray

www.thetunesmith.com

Thick Records NZ 015

www.thickrecords.co.nz

credits

released January 25, 2024

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about

THICK Records NZ Wellington, New Zealand

Haere mai
Welcome to Thick Records NZ.
Putting New Zealand music and musicians on the global stage.
Jazz for the 21st century.
For musicians.
By musicians.
For the world at large.
Made in Aotearoa. ... more

thickrecords.co.nz

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