18th November 2013: RELEASE DAY: For Rachael Cohen’s ‘Halftime’ featuring Phil Robson, Calum Gourlay and James Bashford
A big congratulations goes to alto saxophonist and composer Rachael Cohen today as we release her debut album worldwide!
Rachael Cohen – Alto Saxophone
Phil Robson – Guitars
Calum Gourlay – Double Bass
James Bashford – Drums
Release Date: November 18, 2013
Whirlwind Recordings is very pleased to announce the debut solo-album Halftime from Rachael Cohen. Originally from the Shetland Islands (off the northern coast of Scotland) and now based in London, Cohen is an alto saxophonist and composer on the rise, with an infectious tone and an uncanny storytelling-ability-when-improvising that defies her age. As of late, her performances and highly personal composing skills have gained her a great deal of attention (not to mention some major awards and nominations) from the UK jazz press & community. One of Rachael’s strongest attributes is her lyrical and controlled phrasing when improvising, which she delivers as if telling a story with the ease and sophistication of someone twice her age. And her sidewoman credentials are very impressive, performing already with such notables as Joe Locke, Arild Andersen, Tommy Smith, John Hollenbeck, Donny McCaslin, Phil Robson, and Gary Versace.
Halftime showcases a full program of nine strikingly original compositions from the leader and a cover from the iconic Ornette Coleman titled ‘Just for You’. Cohen’s quartet features long-time associate James Bashford on drums, bassist Calum Gourlay & special guest and WWR Artist Phil Robson on guitar.
The album covers a lot of diverse musical ground but the binding thread throughout the tracks is Cohen’s use of strong melody, and this highly personal approach of hers shines through on each song. In Rachael’s own words: “This album is really an introduction to my style and compositions. I’m influenced by a massive variety of music and have put a lot of that into my writing, something that I hope people will recognize and be able to relate to. The music featured has been written over a long stretch of time and pinpoints certain memories of mine, I think most people can relate a piece of music to particular times in their life. It’s been amazing to hear the development of the my tunes from how they started, some of them a long time ago, to how they sound now, and what the quartet have brought to them. I’ve been really blown away by Phil’s playing, along with Calum and Jim, I’m excited to get the music out there.”
Produced by WWR’s own Michael Janisch, the album also features highlight performances by all on board (not to mention some standout guitar work from Mr. Robson), and will no doubt put Cohen strongly on the map as one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene, as well as introduce her talents to new listeners around the globe.