SEVEN JAPANESE TALES

'Anyone who doubts there’s a UK jazz scene worth taking note of should listen to Joe Downard's album. A truly impressive debut.’

- Jasper Høiby

Seven Japanese Tales is the debut album released by bassist and composer Joe Downard. The album was written as a suite comprised of 7 pieces inspired by seven short stories by writer Junichiro Tanizaki (1886-1965) featured in Seven Japanese Tales. The music features a range of moods and dynamics supported by soundscapes, analogue electronics and acoustic sextet. These elements are then complimented through strong melody and improvisation. Downard became inspired by the very lyrical, deep and sensual meanings behind these seven stories which, although being short, packed a punch of emotions: anger, love, humour and wit. 

Besides the conceptual take from Seven Japanese Tales book, the music takes inspiration on some of Downard’s favourite music, ranging from Radiohead and James Blake through Messiaen and Ambrose Akinmusire. The compositional process of this album was, in part, collaborative: through improvisation and re-writing, the material evolved to its final version. That’s why the musicians in the band are a big part of the project itself. The line-up moves away from the traditional jazz sextet by introducing multiple synthesisers. The distinctiveness of the three melody instruments (trumpet, saxophone and synth) complements the intense push and pull between drums and bass that keeps the music full of momentum. 

Seven Japanese Tales features six of the most creative and inventive young musicians in London and Europe, each with a distinctive and virtuosic improvisational voice and noted in their own right as composers and bandleaders. Alongside Downard, the group features Alex Hitchcock on tenor sax , James Copus on trumpet, Will Barry on piano , Rupert Cox on synths and Felix Ambach on drums.

Seven Japanese Tales TOur

27th April - Jazz In The Round , London ( Support Set )

9th June Pizza Express Jazz Club, London ( ALBUM LUANCH )
12th June - The Verdict, Brighton
13th June - Heart Jazz, Leeds
16th June - Parr Jazz, Liverpool
17th June - Jazz Bar , Edinburgh
19th June - The Pumphouse, Aldeburgh
22nd June - NQ Jazz, Manchester
23rd June - Spotted Dog, Birmingham

24th June - Flute & Tankard, Cardiff  

As one of the most in demand bassists in the UK, Joe Downard is widely recognised for his skills as a performer and improvisor. Joe is a crucial component to many of the UK’s top rhythm sections that range from modern contemporary Jazz and Soul to Electronic and Western African music.

In his early years, Joe made the move to London and soon embedded himself within the Jazz scene and notably the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Joe recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music having received the Sir Elton John Scholarship and the foundation prize for excellence after after his year there studying predominantly under Jasper Hoiby, Tom Cawley, Pete Churchill, and Barak Schmool. Across multiple genres, Joe is seen regularly playing in clubs and concert halls across the UK and Europe and has also seen success having had music play-listed by BBC radio 1Xtra and Worldwide FM.

Joe has received much recognition for his contribution to the music scene he thrives in today with accolades such as being named “one to watch” in Bass Guitar Magazine, The Worshipful Company Of Musicians -‘Jazz Musician of the Year’ finalist and is to be featured in ‘Taking Off’ for Jazzwise magazine in March ‘20. This year will see Joe release his debut album that features original compositions of his and boasts a roster of the finest jazz musicians in Europe with ‘Seven Japanese Tales’ to be released 12th June 2020.

Detail 1

“His evolution has seen him move from this position as a respected session player towards becoming a composer in his own right” - Jazzwise

Detail 2

'Anyone who doubts there’s a UK jazz scene worth taking note of should listen to Joe Downard's album. A truly impressive debut.’ - Jasper Høiby

Detail 3

‘You could see at once why Dave Holland would like Joe Downard as a double bass player. He is combination of composer, band leader, time keeper and fluent soloist that augers well for a long career.’  - London Jazz News.