"State of the art acoustic jazz, impeccably performed, sanguine in nature, brimming with hope." Rhythms Fourth quartet release/video series from saxophonist-composer and Earshift Music label director Jeremy Rose, Face to Face is a reflection on the importance of real-life connections and features pianist Steve Barry, bassist Noel Mason and drummer Alex Hirlian. The album is dedicated to those that are closest to him; family, friends and loved ones. The album affirms his growing status as "one to watch on the Australian jazz scene" (Jazzwise), with a compelling collection of compositions that has a little something for everyone - emotionally, intellectually and musically. "We live in an increasingly connected yet isolated world," reflects Rose. "Whilst we are always reachable, many have never felt more alone." The album is a consideration on the way we connect with each other and the importance of real-life connections. "I felt like I needed to reinforce the fundamental part of what makes us human - face to face connections. It's a musical journey that steers our spiritual compass towards connections with others and placing value in what's important - connections we have with ourselves, each other and the wider world." The band, featuring three of Sydney's best next generation jazz artists including pianist Steve Barry, bassist Noel Mason and drummer Alex Hirlian, add compelling individual statements to Rose's highly crafted compositions. Rose reflects how the album is not simply a product of lock down but a reflection on the important things in life. "We couldn't have created this album pre-COVID but this isn't an iso-album or reaction to the lockdowns. This album speaks to right now, this very moment. It emphasises how grateful I am for the connections we have with one another which can't be taken for granted. Face to Face has a little something for everyone - emotionally, intellectually and musically. There's a range of new compositions, new grooves, new melodies and some great playing. I hope you enjoy!" Jeremy Rose is at the forefront of an exciting wave of Australian jazz and adventurous music. He has performed throughout Australia, Europe and the UK, including collaborations with Kurt Rosenwinkel and Lionel Loueke. His numerous projects include the Vampires, the Earshift Orchestra, Vazesh and Visions of Nar, as well as three albums with his quartet, Chiba, Sand Lines and Within and Without. As founder of the record label Earshift Music, Rose has fostered a community of creative musicians throughout Australasia which NYC Jazz Records describes as "representing the future of Australian music... hell bent on pushing the very definition of jazz." "Buoyant invention: never seeming to flag or to want for new ideas, he is that rare thing, an improvisor you want to hear more from Jeremy Rose is one to watch on the Australian jazz scene " Stuart Nicholson, Jazzwise UK "one of the most creative and restless musicians in the Australian jazz scene" Australianjazz.net "A brilliant jazz composer and instrumentalist, a young man with a social purpose" The Australian Artist: Jeremy RoseAlbum: Face to Face Release: June 17th 2022 Label: Earshift Music distributed by MGM Format: CD, vinyl, DL and streaming services Catalogue Number: EAR061, EAR061LP Streaming/Download :https://ffm.to/jeremyrosefacetoface Single 1 - Whispers https://ffm.to/jeremyrosewhispers Single 2 Queens https://ffm.to/queens Personnel: Jeremy Rose - tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet and effects, Steve Barry, piano, Noel Mason, bass, Alex Hirlian, drums. ABOUT THE MUSIC 1. High Ground This piece is about the search for truth in a world where it has never been more difficult to find. It's inspired by seeing a colleague consumed by misinformation and conspiracy theories. We find ourselves living in a post-truth society where people build their own version of the world around them based on whatever social media algorithms has served up to them. It can be a downward spiral for some. 2. Whispers This piece is inspired by a trip to the Altyn Emyl National Park in Kazakhstan. Whilst there, I visited an enormous sand dune. In Kazak the dune is known as 'Akkum-Kalkan', which literally means "the singing dune." Unfortunately, despite driving for hours, we were disappointed to learn that the sand was slightly damp and the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. There was no singing sand dune that day, perhaps only a mere whisper. Despite this, it was a breath-taking dune. 3. Religion This piece explores the power and complexities of religion. Alarmingly in Australia, there has been a rise in the political argument that "religious privilege" can override general human rights protections and discriminations, which seems to go against the underlying message of faith. The piece attempts to capture some of these contradictions. 4.Queens This piece is dedicated to all the wonderful females in my life my wife, my daughter, and my mother. They say the world would be a better place if we were ruled by females! 5.Face to Face We live in an increasingly connected yet isolated world. Whilst we are always reachable, many have never felt more alone. This piece reinforces the fundamental part of what makes us human - face to face connections. 6.All About KB This piece is inspired by the birth of my son. It captures his innocent spirit, born into a unique period of history - surviving a summer of bushfires and hazardous smoke, whilst being born into the middle of the worst pandemic in a century. What a time to be born! 7.Together Soon Enough The title refers to those that have been separated during lockdown but it could be for all people that are separated from loved ones, be it their lovers, children or grandparents. The piece is also inspired by an idea from a John Shand review who once described Paul Grabowsky's playing as if it was an abstract expressionist image in a stained-glass window of a cathedral. We attempt to create this, ever so gently. 8.Child This piece is about the inner child and joy of discovery.