I am finally recording my debut album! I have been writing my own music ever since I remember myself. Over the last few years, I have been performing it alongside my band around the UK. We are now entering the recording studio to capture all these tunes and make this band’s debut album!
“I first heard Maria Grapsa as a pianist in a large group working with American saxophonist and composer Tim Berne. I was immediately impressed by her ability as a pianist and her skill as an improviser. Maria has written some excellent compositions which deserve to be recorded.”
[Tony Dudley-Evans – Programme Adviser to BMusic Birmingham &the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Promoter of the TDE Promotions programme]
Piano song, improvisation and modern jazz writing are the means that Maria Grapsa portrays her journey through the interior. As a classically trained, explorative jazz musician, she empowers her sextet to flow free form through original compositions; steam hard in tenor jazz and intricate, emotionally-charged cinematic ballads. Maria’s Greek roots and folk, middle-East, Latin influences, all meet the jazz tradition in a unique way.
Each performance unites a band at the edge of unfolding discoveries and projects shapes that are round and together – as a unit they defy dynamics from pin drop knife edge solo performances from the horns to roars from the rhythm section. Maria’s band is already making an impact in prestigious venues such as Southbank Centre, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Pizza Express Live Soho. Watch out for the album landing summer 2023.