The Rhythm Future Quartet - Travels
The
acoustic jazz ensemble, Rhythm Future Quartet has a straightforward
agenda: to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding in today’s
musical universe. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt
tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club
of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick and
guitarist Olli Soikkeli, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical
arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that
draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max
O’Rourke on second guitar and Greg Loughman on bass, Rhythm Future is
dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre.
Where
the band’s self-titled debut album re-visited classic jazz and Gypsy
jazz favorites, Travels, the quartet’s current release, concentrates on
group originals that make captivating use of musical sources from
outside the conventional Gypsy jazz terrain. Travels reflects both the
accumulated knowledge garnered from the groups world wide touring as
well as the international influences that inspired new rhythmic and
harmonic possibilities within their compositions and arrangements.
Jason
Anick, an award-winning composer and one of the youngest professors at
the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, has shared the stage
with an array of artists including Grammy award winning guitarist John
Jorgenson, Stevie Wonder, The Jim Kweskin Jug Band, and Tommy Emmanuel.
Olli Soikkeli (coined “the Finnish boy wonder”) recently made the move
from Scandinavia to New York City, where he quickly became a top call
guitarist in the bustling Brooklyn jazz scene. He has performed
alongside rising star Cyrille Aimee, world-renowned Gypsy guitarist
Stochelo Rosenberg, Bucky Pizzarelli and many others.
Max
O’Rourke was the winner of the 2015 Saga Award from DjangoFest
Northwest, and at 19 has already toured/recorded with many of the top
American Gypsy Jazz musicians including John Jorgenson and Gonzalo
Bergara. Greg Loughman is a top call bassist in Boston and has been
heard with such luminaries as Sheila Jordan, Curtis Fuller and George
Garzone.
Jason Anick - Violin
Olli Soikkeli - Guitar
Max O'Rourke - Guitar
Greg Loughman - Bass
1. Iberian Sunrise
2. Come Together
3. For Paulus
4. Travels
5. Vessela
6. Don't Tell Me
7. Still Winter
8. The Keeper
9. Bushwick Stomp
10. Je suis seul ce soir
11. Round Hill
12. Amsterdam
13. Made in France