For those unaware, bassist and composer Matt Booth is releasing Sun Prints, his first album of all original music this coming August 23rd, 2024.

The music is freewheeling and varied, but stays true to the contemporary jazz tradition. Rather than create an album that focused on his bass playing, Booth wanted the recording to showcase his compositions and a unified ensemble sound.

A ubiquitous performer on the New Orleans jazz scene, Booth found a great deal of success both as a leader and sideman and thus has released numerous albums as a co-leader of several groups.

His compositions are textually rich and dynamic, occasionally crossing over into the avant-garde, but always driven by melody and propulsive grooves. Booth plays both upright and electric bass on this brand new album.

1. In Tongues (5:22)
2. For Your Consideration (5:12)
3. Ice Bear (4:21)
4. Otero Canyon (6:22)
5. Time to Spare (7:01)
6. Old News (5:20)
7. Interlude (2:56)
8. Optimal Chunks (8:33)
9. You Came Along (6:55)
10. Distancing (5:25)
11. Happenstance (3:01)

The master of the bass opens his debut solo album on the funk-grooved In Tongues and then brings us the gently frenetic For Your Consideration, the beautifully sculpted Ice Bear and then we get both the languishing Otero Canyon and a quiet rumba-esque shuffle that drives Time to Spare.

Along next is the flourishing Old News and the dulcet, ornate Interlude and they are in turn backed by the statically jaunty sounds created within Optimal Chunks, the ate night, low slung, at first, perky latterly ambiance of You Came Along, the album rounding out on the elegant gossamer of Distancing, closing on the organically cultured Happenstance.

The musicians on Sun Prints are more than up to the task of playing Booth’s inventive and dynamic compositions. Although the music is complex, Booth’s melodic sense makes it accessible for the average listener.

The album unfolds in a way that keeps the audience guessing and the detailed production will reward multiple listens.

Sun Prints is a superb representation of Matt Booth’s playing and compositional skills and is deserving of a wider audience.

Musicians:
Matt Booth - bass
Steve Lands - trumpet
Sam Taylor - saxophone
Oscar Rossignoli - piano, keys
Peter Varnado - drums

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