soulstatejazz: annwn
Francisco Espregueira
Soulstatejazz is a new live ensemble led by Tom Ellis, that just released its first LP on Banoffee Pies Records. The project, entitled Annwn, is composed by six tracks consisting of this hybrid live/electronic jazz-house music and was born out of a 3 day improvisation at Malt Barn studio, in the Nanerth Valley, in mid Wales. The name refers to Welsh mythology as “The Otherworld”, a place of eternal youth and good, where food and fair health remained ever abundant as the wage of death and disease fell to it's way side. Paradise.
With Mark Hand, Michael Renger and Dave Elson contributing decisively to the incredible journey Annwn invites us to - alongside other featured musicians -, Tom Ellis crafts both production and arrangement in full harmony. A vibrant, smooth atmosphere is present in every single moment of Soulstatejazz’s journey here presented, providing one of the best surprises of 2020. Available on vinyl, via Banoffee Pies Records. Smooth shit.