22nd October 2016: Monocled Man (Rory Simmons) ‘We Drift Meridian’ launch show pics + Guardian feature and latest reviews including ★★★★ from Music OMH

Known widely for his contribution to the UK and international jazz scenes, Rory Simmons’ approach to Monocled Man expresses the broader palette of music which currently inspires him; and We Drift Meridian embraces conceptual cohesiveness through textures and lyrics which evoke mystery, solitude and even desperation. As Simmons confirms: “These are instrumental and electronic explorations which have a meaning and, in context, hang together musically – it’s an exciting, natural progression of the band.”

This weekend, Rory has written an article for The Guardian newspaper and you can read his evocative description of a Reykjavic record store here: A great little place I know.

See below for highlight quotes from the latest reviews in for the album and pictures from the launch show at Servant Jazz Quarters:

“The album achieves an impressive unity and coherence in sound… A work where attention to detail in sound design is as important as individual improvisatory contributions or compositional approaches to harmony and rhythm.
★★★★ Music OMH (full review)

“An intriguing album… Full marks to Simmons for coming up with something original and distinctive.”
The Jazz Mann (full review)

“Layers of haunting electronica… Atmospheric”
Congleton Chronicle (website)

“A lively listen… A strong evocation of strange places.”
The Jazz Breakfast (full review)