Myele Manzanza releases his sophomore album OnePointOne today, recorded live at the legendary Blue Whale in Los Angeles and released via First World Records.
His roots in jazz and African rhythm, (and a childhood love of hip hop and dance music) bring a uniquely diverse take to his music. On OnePointOne, where he fuses a traditional jazz trio with a string quartet, underpinned by an undeniable hip-hop swagger.
The album features pianist/programmer Mark de Clive-Lowe, and the Quartetto Fantastico string quartet led by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (Suite For Ma Dukes), virtuoso bassist Ben Shepherd and guest vocalists Nia Andrews and Charlie K.
As well as live takes of some of the material from his debut album, there are covers of Theo Parrish, Jill Scott and the late, great Bobby Hutcherson, capturing an intimate performance from a fearless artist at the hub of the resurgent West Coast jazz scene.
The son of a Congolese master percussionist, NZ born Myele first gained international attention as part of NZ soul act, Electric Wire Hustle. After six years with the band that he formed, he left in 2013 in order to release his solo debut One (via the UK record label BBE).
By this time Myele had become an in-demand musician, culminating in 2014 when he joined dance music pioneer Theo Parrish as the drummer of his live outfit The Unit.
As a drummer and a sideman he continues to tour internationally and collaborate with a broad range of artists including Mark de Clive-Lowe, FW label-mate Ross McHenry, Sorceress, Amp Fiddler, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Marcus Strickland, Recloose, Jordan Rakei and most recently joining Australian contemporary dance company, KAGE, in their forthcoming dance and drum based performance Out Of Earshot.
OnePointOne is available for purchase from November 11th via iTunes, Bandcamp and all good digital providers.
Manzanza is teaming up with Australian contemporary Ross McHenry in association with Red Bell Music Academy for two Double Album Release Shows in Auckland and Wellington.
Myele Manzanza Album Release Shows:
November 23rd - Auckland @ Las Vegas - 339 K Road
November 24th - Wellington @ San Fran - 171 Cuba St
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