nic58
This LP is a really beautifully crafted. All the instruments stand out with great clarity and Billy's guitar playing is fantastic. I would recommend this LP to everyone plus all the proceeeds are going to charity. A great LP.
paulflook
It’s great to finally hear the album! Not sure if this was conceived as a concept piece but it flows beautifully book-ended by some gorgeous guitar on Penelope and Shenandoah. I love the dynamics: the movement from Penelope to Lambs, the change up between A Grande Familia and The Beech Tree and the haunting final track. My favourite early release was the Garden but now it’s Lambs, Shenandoah and that trumpet solo/clarinet (?) interplay on L’Heroism. No doubt it will change! More please Billy!
James Avison
This music is evocative, vivid, poignant, energising and watchful. Billy's use of space in the music is as powerful as the sound palette. Pin sharp, fresh composition coupled with the confidence to have the band be understated and soft whilst projecting powerful imagery and edge. Music to make you feel.
pietercbaasje
Billy's subtle arrangement (as usual) makes it so enjoyable to single out each instrument while listening. Great rhythm. Love the voice part too !
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
£5GBP or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Comes in a 6 panel card digifile, with cover artwork by Penny Marrows.
Includes unlimited streaming of Penelope (in support of World Child Cancer)
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
"All proceeds go to World Child Cancer, which is an excellent reason for purchase, but the music is reward enough" Editor's Choice and ★★★★ in JAZZWISE Magazine
"Gorgeous chamber jazz LP" Bandcamp, New and Notable
World Child Cancer works to help children with cancer in developing countries – in the UK over 80% of children now survive cancer – in developing countries that can be as low as 10%. (worldchildcancer.org)
• £7 could pay for one week's worth of pain relief medication for two children with cancer in Malawi
• £10 could pay for essential blood tests for three children with cancer pre-chemotherapy in Cameroon
• £30 could support the reliable supply of essential drugs for three children with cancer in Myanmar
• £50 could pay for a round of life-saving chemotherapy for a child with cancer in Ghana.
Recorded as a surprise for Penny whilst she was terminally ill, the album features Billy’s new chamber jazz group, Grande Família, both as a 12 piece ensemble and in smaller combinations, interspersed with intimate solo guitar vignettes. It includes one of Penny’s nephews on bass, great-niece on flute and Billy’s girlfriend Teresa on viola, alongside eight musicians special to Billy.
In March 2023 Penny was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Billy, Teresa and his cousins performed for her at a family gathering in April. She loved it, so Billy decided to make this charity album as a surprise for her, generously supported by friends and family. Penny realised how fortunate she was to have access to such good cancer care, compared to others around the world, so they chose to raise money for World Child Cancer, a charity that helps children to overcome cancer in countries where it is needed the most. Penny was an artist and the album and single artworks showcase her striking paintings.
credits
released January 26, 2024
Grande Família:
BILLY MARROWS - Guitar/Baritone Guitar + Compositions
JONAS MBANU - Bass (3,5,9)
ANGUS BAYLEY - Piano (2,3,5,9)
TERESA MACEDO FERREIRA - Viola (3,5,7,9)
DIJAN MBANU - Flute (3,5,9)
GUSTAVO CLAYTON MARUCCI - Clarinet (2) + B. Clarinet (3,5,9)
CHRIS WILLIAMS - Alto Sax (3,5,9)
TOM RIDOUT - Soprano Sax (3), Clarinet (5) + Tenor Sax (9)
MIKE SOPER - Trumpet (3,5,9)
OLLI MARTIN - Trombone (3,5,9)
ANNA DRYSDALE - French Horn (3,5,9)
GREG SANDERS - Shaker (5)
Tracks 1,4,6,8 engineered by Greg Sanders
Tracks 2,3,5,7,9,10 engineered by Billy Halliday + James Wells
Mixed and mastered by Alex Bonney
Cover art by Penny Marrows
Design by Giulia Cavallini + Billy Marrows
Produced by Billy Marrows + Greg Sanders
"A highly successful fund raising venture the album is also an impressive musical achievement in its own right. The music coheres remarkably effectively with Marrows himself the unifying force"
★★★★ The Jazz Mann (UK)
"Melodic and distinctive...an album of inventive and contemporary chamber-jazz that serves as a worthy tribute and aids a worthy cause"
★★★★ All About Jazz
"The album is a triumph...with his Grande Família project, Marrows has created a spectacular new ensemble"
Jazz Views (UK)
"What I really like about the album is how its 10 separate pieces, for all their variety of means and approach, behave as though they belong together, like a family" Richard Williams, The Blue Moment
Billy Marrows is an award-winning jazz guitarist and composer. His music has been described as ‘accessible and intriguing’ and ‘hardcore modern jazz, but with actual melodies’.