The Near Jazz Experience - Tritone
London-based outfit The Near Jazz Experience presents their new album 'Tritone', their first release via Peckham-based label Dimple Discs. Three musicians at the top of their game, The NJE is Mark Bedford of UK ska legends Madness, along with Simon Charterton and Terry Edwards - both of The Higsons, who were signed to 80s 2-Tone Records and immortalized by Robyn Hitchcock in his song 'Listening to the Higsons'.
With bassist Mark Bedford and drummer Simon Charterton as the rhythm section, Terry Edwards takes on multiple instruments - playing saxes (two at once), trumpet, melodica and flute. The result? Electrifyingly groovy funk/world/rock music played on jazz instruments.
On ‘Tritone’, the trio is joined by legendary keyboardist Mike Garson of David Bowie fame and fellow keyboardist Matt Johnson of Jamiroquai, each of these artists adding new and unique areas of melody to their gumbo stew. In addition, Oliver Cherer (Miki Berenyi Trio, Aircooled, Gilroy Mere, Dollboy) brings in the synth, while Paul Cuddeford (Ian Hunter, Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldoff, Tony Visconti) contributes guitars on 'Funky Kino'.
The Near Jazz Experience serves us wildly improv but tuneful music. Cross Can’s rhythm section with Roland Kirk, Motown and the Third Stream and you'll arrive at a fantastic sonic realm created by The NJE. Hint of soundtracks for spaghetti westerns and Bollywood only enriches the mix! There are even hints of Kraftwerk and Magazine on 'Tuba Cop’ and the title track respectively.
Under the influence of post-70s' Miles Davis, John Zorn’s Naked City, The Meters, Soft Machine, Back Door, Alice Coltrane, Ian Dury & The Blockheads and Vulfpeck, The Near Jazz Experience's music makes a distinctive contribution to the UK music scene. In particular, ‘Tritone’ offers much to enjoy for anyone with a penchant for Ezra Collective, Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Little Feat or Fela Kuti.
A key member of Madness (on tour this year), Mark Bedford has also spent time performing with Voice Of The Beehive and Morrissey, as well as playing bass on Robert Wyatt’s immortal version of 'Shipbuilding’.
Many years on from The Higsons, Simon Charterton is often found in the musical company of Anthony Moore (Slapp Happy), while Terry Edwards has balanced a solo career with extensive time in the studio and on the live circuit as a session musician, having been a member of or performed with Gallon Drunk, PJ Harvey, Madness, Nick Cave, David Gray, Billy Bragg, Tindersticks, Yeah Jazz, Spiritualized, Jimi Tenor and Lydia Lunch. In 2002, he performed at the Bowie-curated Meltdown festival in London with the Scapegoats.
'Tritone' is out now digitally, available from Apple Music, Spotify or directly from the band via Bandcamp. On July 18, the album will be released on CD and vinyl. In the UK, it can be ordered from Rough Trade or Proper Music, or from Sonic Age Records in the EU, among other fine retailers.
