released November 12, 2012

ABOUT THE ALBUM

MOJO MAGAZINE JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR

The Strut is the debut Whirlwind release from internationally-acclaimed flautist Gareth Lockrane (currently residing in London) and his Hammond Organ group 'Grooveyard'. Lockrane is revered as a prolific and virtuosic musician who's won a sling of awards over the years (he is also one of a handful of non-American artists to maintain a presence in the yearly 'Downbeat Magazine Critic's Poll' in the 'Flautist' Category). Equally skilled as a composer, Lockrane has a Masters Degree from the National Film and Television School, the UK's foremost university for film scoring and his musical output ranges from chamber trios, quartets, quintets, septets (for which he won a Parliamentary Jazz Award in the 'Best Album' category for his album No Messin) and contemporary big band.

The Strut is the follow up to Lockrane's 2003 album Put The Cat Out (winner of 'Best European Jazz Group' Granada Jazz Festival). This ambitious and stylistically wide-ranging record fuses the spirit of the historic soul-jazz groups of yesteryear alongside contemporary jazz fused with gospel, chamber music, cinematic rock, funk and even world music influences, showcasing the diverse compositional palette of the leader.

The album also features long-time Grooveyard cohort Alex Garnett on saxophones, guitar wizard Mike Outram, Hammond organ wunderkind Ross Stanley, drummer Nick Smalley, and guesting on three tracks on wordless vocals is Nia Lynn, whose 'Bannau Trio' with Gareth Lockrane and Ross Stanley has been quietly ploughing it's own path in the contemporary chamber jazz world since 2005. Between them the musicians have performed or recorded with artists as diverse as South African pianist Bheki Mseleku (Lockrane was a member of his working band and Bheki a huge influence) Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Turner, Michael Kiwanuka, Seamus Blake, The Rolling Stones, Phil Robson, Carleen Anderson and Tom Jones.

PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

MOJO MAGAZINE 'JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR'

"Whirlwind Recordings have an impressive roster of contemporary UK Jazz but this stands out as a highlight."
Album of the Year' MOJO Magazine, ★★★★

"Lockrane's reputation is growing and The Strut will take that to a higher level still."
All About Jazz

"The Strut proves from beginning to end that you can make music that is good for both the body and the mind."
★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine

"The formidable Lockrane...a stunning display of sharp-accented runs, earthy whoops and constantly refreshed melodic ideas."
The Guardian

"London independent label Whirlwind are quickly making a name for themselves in uncovering some of the hippest new talent on the UK jazz scene and this is one of their best signings thus far."
★★★★ UK Vibe

"Britain’s top exponent is Gareth Lockrane, whose hip ideas and easy fluency recall the great Tubby Hayes... Lockrane’s stylish originals include the funky title track and the gentler One for Bheki, dedicated to a departed friend, South African pianist-composer Bheki Mseleku."
★★★★ Evening Standard

"Original, distinctive and personal."
The JazzMann

"This is a lively, unpretentious album...Gareth Lockrane’s compositions sound evocative and dramatic enough to be film scores."
London Jazz

"This is a really good and thoughtful album with superb compositions."
CD of the Month (Dec '12) UK Jazz Radio

"A fine disc which is not only a testament to the writing and arranging of a well-rounded British jazz musician and a great band, but also a renewed hurrah for the versatility and power of that little silver sideways pipe."
The Jazz Breakfast

"The Strut is a highly likeable release that values musicianship and strong tunes."
Marlbank

"Lockrane is an exceptional soloist with an improvisatory confidence that's quite startling.”
Jazzwise Magazine

"The flute, an instrument which has still not achieved a firm foothold in jazz... If the brilliant playing of Gareth Lockrane is anything to go by, that state of affairs may change.”
The Observer

“Flute phenomenon!”
London Evening Standard