neue grafik ensemble: foulden road part ii
Francisco Espregueira
The second installment of Neue Grafik Ensemble’s Foulden Road series dropped last friday through Total Refreshment Centre, reflecting the bandleader’s social surroundings and the ensemble’s bold live energy. Foulden Road Part II continues to incorporate 100% live takes, as well as solo productions that reflect Neue Grafik's past work with both the Rhythm Section and 22a labels - one that we’ve been covering over the years. Having played a DJ set in 2017 at TRC, one of the most vibrant places/collective/spirits in London he was convinced to start a band after he was heard playing some compositions on the communal piano. After spending a couple of sleepless nights on the living room couch, his first gig was booked in the venue space downstairs a week later. The ensemble was established and he has remained in London ever since.
Comprised by seven tracks and featuring appearances from Ma.Moyo, Lord Apex, JJ Akinlade and Brother Portrait, Foulden Road Part II combines an array of influences — from London, to Paris via New York, Nigeria and Cameroon. Dedicated and inspired by the tragic death of Adama Traoré, a black man who died in police custody in Paris, the album is able to bring a raw energy and hope to move forward positively. Heavy horns and hypnotic poetry form the backbone record, which will ignite any room. Jazz music is once again reinvented with African-influenced sonic textures and London’s urban feelings, forming a very strong collection of music. Foulden Road Part II is out on vinyl, courtesy of Total Refreshment Centre.
Neue Grafik Ensemble's musicians include; Matt Gedrych, Benjamin 'The Chief' Appiah, Jack Banjo Courtney, Chelsea Carmichael, Dougal Taylor, Yahael Camara-Onono, Xvngo, Rebekah Reid, Dan-Iulian Drutac, Jamie-lee Glinsman and Zara Hudson-Kozdój.
“I couldn’t have predicted that I’d finish it encased in my flat, between four walls, in December 2020 after a year of lockdown, Brexit, George Floyd protests, and without London’s brilliant culture mesmerising my mind. Everything was sad and closed. Hills were difficult to climb. But it also gave me the time to work hard and deliver this second part of Foulden Road, pushing it forward”