25-Aug-2020 | Nimbus Sextet

Nimbus Sextet - Brand new to Acid Jazz Records

Nimbus Sextet are a major new talent on the UK Jazz scene. Led by pianist/keyboardist Joe Nichols, the Glaswegian contemporary jazz outfit play infectiously original music that spans the musical spectrum. Nimbus Sextet's fresh take on jazz blends instantly relatable melodic hooks with driving grooves, sophisticated musicianship and episodic compositions.

 

The core of the Nimbus Sextet sound comes courtesy of Joe with long-time collaborators Alex Palmer and Mischa Stevens. The trio met while studying at Edinburgh University and have continued to perform together ever since. Nimbus Sextet was fully formed in 2018 with the addition of Martin Fell and Euan Allardice joining the line-up with James Mackay arriving later.

 

It was around this point the band started to compose and record the first shoots of what would become Nimbus Sextet’s blend.  A decidedly well-balanced alchemy, arrived at somewhat naturally by way of the varied musical influences and contributions from each of its culturally diverse members. You’re as likely to hear elements of Herbie Hancock and Gil Scott-Heron as easily as The Roots and Robert Glasper. 

 

Joe explains “Dreams Fulfilled is a personal arrival, and the realisation of a vision. It tells of the vicissitudes of life, the formation of a musical voice through collaboration, and the paths taken to get there.”

 

With this well-crafted and hotly anticipated release on their hands, the band have now placed themselves at the forefront of the Scottish jazz scene and have expanded their reach, performing at events as diverse as the Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen Jazz Festivals, as well as Doune The Rabbit Hole and the Kelburn Garden Party main stage. They were subsequently invited to join the likes of London nu-jazz ensemble Cykada (ft members of Ezra Collective & Maisha) and US brass outfit Youngblood Brass Band on recent UK tour dates, before emabrking on their own national tour in February/March.

 

Speaking about the album opener and first single Trap Door Joe explains; “it reflects both a moment of finding one’s feet, and an expression of a musical vision. Music should never be pigeon-holed. Nimbus Sextet will take you to different places, opening many doors along the way, and will never leave you trapped. No elitism. No constraints”.