Duncan Eagles
Narrations | May 19, 2023
Described by BBC Radio as a “rising star of British Jazz” Duncan is attracting attention for his distinctive sound and improvising from all over the world. His latest album Citizen marked his place on the international music scene and lead to performances in the UK and Europe including opening for Joshua Redman at the Barbican concert hall in London.
Duncan is now ready to release his next album of seven original compositions. The music on Narrations moves from spiritual modal explorations to polyrhythmic funk to reflective ballads showcasing his love for a wide variety and styles of music whilst also showcasing his virtuosic approach and individual sound.
As well as leading his own projects he is a much in demand sideman having worked with some of the world's most respected musicians including Gary Husband, Shabaka Hutchings and Ola Onabule. With his trio Partikel “one of the most exciting trios in improvised music” Jazz Podium he has performed all over the planet from Rochester Jazz Festival in New York to JZ Club in Shanghai. Their album Counteraction was nominated for a Parliamentary Award in the category of Best Album placing the band on the map as one of the most forward thinking bands in the UK.
Recorded Sept 2022 at Love Electric Studios, London
Engineer – Andy Hughes
Mixing – Tyler McDiarmid
Mastering – Tyler McDiarmid
Artwork – Gilda Pereira
Duncan Eagles – Saxophone
Tomasz Bura – Piano
Max Luthert – Bass
Zoe Pascal – Drums
All music written by Duncan Eagles
All tracks feature all musicians except track 4 featuring Duncan Eagles and Tomasz Bura only.
release date: february 15, 2019
Last year’s release from Ollie Howell was sublime and powerful, so it was a no brainer when band member and saxophonist Duncan Eagles hit us up about his solo project. Classically trained on piano, Duncan picked up the sax at 16 and has only looked forward. His new studio album is titled Citizen, a reference to his feeling of inclusion in a global society. The vibe is relaxed as the album opens, and soon builds in complexity as Duncan tells his story on the sax with clarity and feeling. The band brings seemingly effortless communication as the compositions flow like water across the countryside
About Duncan Eagles
Duncan Eagles “is fast becoming one of the most exciting players emerging on the UK jazz scene" (JazzWise) bringing his latest artistic statement in the form of his new album 'Citizen'. This will be Duncan's debut album following a string of releases with UK group Partikel “one of the most exciting trios in improvised music” (Jazz Podium)
Duncan began his musical journey on the piano studying classical music before picking up the saxophone aged 16. He quickly began performing around London and went on to study at Trinity College of Music. Composing is something that Duncan was drawn towards very early on so he formed his first band made up of like minded musicians that he met from being active on the south west London music scene. The band secured a Monday night residency that is still going today which provided a platform to find and develop his musical voice. This group went on to release four albums to much critical acclaim and opened up the opportunity to perform at venues and festivals all over the world including tours to China, Europe, Canada and the USA.
Now with his fifth studio album and debut as a leader, this latest statement reflects on the experiences and atmospheres he has witnessed over the past few years on his travels around the globe. Recorded in Kent and mixed at London's Abbey Road studios the album features London based musicians David Preston – Guitar, Matt Robinson – Piano, Max Luthert – Bass and Dave Hamblett – Drums. Together they create a set of melodic, creative and highly personal music.