Jack Jennings ~ Nataraja
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Nataraja's music is based on the Ragas and compositions of North India and these provide a springboard for group improvisation and forging new textures. This provides a fresh context for Jack to delve into his Indian Classical training and blend that with the power and textures of Rock and Jazz ensemble playing. Expect quick-fire interaction, powerful rhythms, lush soundscapes and beautiful Indian melodies played with passion. Imagine Jimi Hendrix crossed with Ravi Shankar and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, but with a fresh vision to do something new within the fusion landscape.
The live debut album Spirit At Play was released in March 2024 on Geomagnetic Records. The album was recorded in full, on stage, with no second takes whatsoever. It is this creative, spontaneous environment that gives the music its power. The night of the concert the audience were simply blown away and everyone knew they had experienced something special. The music seemed completely wild and spontaneous, yet effortless and every note perfectly falling into place. The musicians seemed to be experiencing a moment of pure freedom and passion for what was being discovered. That complete concert became the live album titled 'Spirit At Play'. The line-up for the first album also featured Andy Edwards on Drums, John Jowitt on Bass and Richard Charles Boxley on Analog Modular Synthesis. The next album and future live shows will feature Virtuoso Omar Puente on Electric violin and a new rhythm section to be announced soon. Exciting times ahead for this dynamic project. Nataraja Album Reviews
The Nataraja album is getting a fantastic response. Here are snippets of their reviews. " His playing is unbelievable. His fingers fly - it's just burning solos. He's clearly influenced by Jimi Hendrix and John McLaughlin. The music he has created is a melding of two worlds - Indian music and jazz rock. Clearly Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti are an influence on his writing. The band locks in and Jennings' soloing is blistering. Amazing! What's more amazing is that this was recorded live. This is so unique and so fresh I can't stop raving about it. If you are tired of hearing the same old stuff and want to hear something that sounds vital you have to check out this album. I can't say I've heard anything else like it. Its still early in 2024 but this is my frontrunner for album of the year." Ken Golden - Lazers Edge I do especially like how fluid Jack Jennings playing is as he can really let rip on these tracks, he is most competent indeed and can play a blinder, as he does on title track Spirit At Play, where he plays an extended solo with great skill, flair and at lightning speed too! It is really remarkable playing,........ He is a player of both taste and style and that shows clearly here......... Within the music you do get a sense of the measure of respect that Jack has for this form and of how he is seeking to honour and respect this by through his own interpretations of these Ragas. I think that he should be both noted and applauded for bringing this fresh and vibrant translations and interpretations to this live arena as he does here. John Wenlock-Smith - ProgRadar "just blistering....... Jack is doing all sorts of wild McLaughlin-type stuff on the guitar, you've got the crazy rhythms underneath.... really tight but loose and chaotic.... guitars are just flying all over the place......... the first piece is just so good, Raag Sarang - Soul Shard....... just Savage stuff here......" Pete Pardo - Sea of Tranquility Oh dear God! When I was told to seek this band and album out, I did not know a few things about it and the personnel. So, let’s not go there right away. Instead, let me just prepare you for the jazz-rock Middle-Eastern fusion sound that’s going to take progressive possession of your mind, body, and soul. Okay, you’re finally ready! This album was recorded live in one take. [that sound you here is the microphone dropping, echoing as these marvelous musicians leave the stage]. This is a legendary fusion album that will probably not sell millions of copies, although, it should probably be in every music teacher’s, music offiando’s, and collector’s possession — not to mention at every respectable record store in the world. Absolutely, incredible! Mark Kuligowski - Beyound Your Radio |
You can listen to the live album
Spirit At Play on Bandcamp Get in touch for booking or any enquires |
