nick walters: marine moods
Francisco Espregueira
Following up on a stellar discography, Nick Walters returns to the spotlight with his latest album, Marine Moods, released on his own D. O. T. Records imprint. The virtuoso trumpeter, composer, and bandleader brings together his exceptional sextet, who previously collaborated on the acclaimed 2019 album Active Imagination. With Tenderlonious (flute, alto flute, soprano sax), Rebecca Nash (piano), Nim Sadot (bass), Laurie Lowe (drums) and Kodjovi Kush (percussion), Walters crafts a stunning collection of contemporary jazz-fusion that seamlessly blends influences from afro, modal, and spiritual jazz into an evocative and genre-defying musical journey.
Marine Moods is a musical ode to the sea, with each composition capturing the essence of the ocean's ever-changing moods. The pieces on this album create a canvas for the musicians to express themselves fully, mirroring the vast expanse and complexity of the seas. From the invigorating optimism of "Gulf Stream" to the hypnotic groove of "Hydrothermal" and the serene raga-inspired "Journey for Joan," the album takes listeners on a voyage through a spectrum of emotions. The recording process itself was akin to a summer's day jam session in a North London studio, where six musicians and friends united to improvise, interact, and craft something truly unique. The album's artwork, a mesmerizing original oil painting by Lorna Robertson. Composed by 5 exquisite compositions, Marine Moods is a testament to the boundless creativity of Nick Walters and his ensemble, capturing the essence of real and talented musical collaboration. Available on vinyl, the trumpeter and composer provides another trip through the depths of contemporary jazz-fusion, where the boundaries of genre blur and the spirit of improvisation reigns supreme.