NEW ALBUM OUT
“A highly assured and engaging debut, offering an enticing and contemporary blend of cinematic, classical & middle-eastern themes. Improvisations are inventive, the arrangements are first rate and the variety on offer ensures the entertainment level is kept high. All in all, a remarkable debut.” (Neil Duggan, All about Jazz)
“A highly impressive debut from a composer and band leader who is clearly going places.” (Ian Patterson , All about Jazz)
“As you step back from ‘Life’ you recognise that this is an album that has drawn its own subtle arc, that’s taken you back and moved you forward, remembering the familiar and finding new ground. The Maria Grapsa Sextet have written excellent first chapter in a story that looks set to run and run.” (John Parry, Backseat Mafia)
LIFE
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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. 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 Greek roots and folk, middle-East, Latin influences, all meet the jazz tradition in a unique way. A Help-Musicians-supported artist, she is already making an impact through her latest debut album LIFE (Musical Dojo Records, 2023).
HOMEPAGE PHOTOS BY JONATHAN TROTMAN
