A highly assured and engaging debut, offering an enticing and contemporary blend of cinematic, classical & middle-eastern themes. Inventive improvisations, first rate arrangements & variety on offer keep the entertainment level high. All in all, a remarkable debut.
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.
Brimming with Grapsa's distinctive compositional voice and powerful musical performances from the players, Life marks a stunning debut from a composer clearly destined for big things.
Piano song, improvisation and modern jazz writing are the means that Maria portrays her journey through the interior. As a classically trained, explorative jazz musician, she empowers her ensemble 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 music is a captivating blend of her Greek heritage, Middle Eastern, folk, Latin influences, and the timeless jazz tradition. A multi-award-winning artist, she has received over 30 international reviews praising her debut album LIFE (Musical Dojo Records). Her music has enjoyed extensive radio play and DJ support from figures including Jamie Cullum, Soweto Kinch (BBC Radio 3), Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Jamz Supernova (BBC Radio 6), Chris Philips, Tim Garcia, Toshiro Matsuura, and Papaoul (Worldwide FM). She has performed at leading venues such as the Southbank Centre, Jazz Café, Union Chapel, and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and has headlined renowned stages including PizzaExpress Jazz Club Live, the Vortex, Birmingham Symphony Hall and London Jazz Festival.