Julian Banks Quartet
OxyMoron
Out Now
“Banks’s soul-baring tenor forms the foundation of all six tracks, infusing each piece with his distinctive character, lyrical sensibility, and vibrant energy…” Barry O’Sullivan’s Album Review (4 ½ stars)
“OxyMoron is my first album of original music in close to a decade…For a long stretch I was still teaching and playing here and there, but the creative drive had gone quiet. What brought it back was jamming with my daughter Jemima on our old Yamaha organ. It was real improvising, just playing for the fun of it, and it reminded me that music is supposed to be playful.
So that's what this record is: six melodic, groove-driven tunes, written to be enjoyed rather than to impress anyone. It came out of a rough few years, and it's the sound of me finding my way back.
I recorded it with three musicians I adore: Louis King on guitar, James Gilligan on bass and Joe Talia on drums, with Kade Brown joining on keys for the title track. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.” - JB
“Hope St” (live in the studio)
"The group that really caught my ear was Julian Banks... This was kick-ass jazz..." (ubud village jazz fest) — bali.coconuts.com
“ the band’s group sound, commitment and mutual support impress. Banks’s soul-baring tenor forms the foundation of all six tracks, infusing each piece with his distinctive character, lyrical sensibility, and vibrant energy. Talia’s imaginative, forceful drumming adds and maintains rhythmic depth and pace throughout, while Louis King’s rich harmonies and expressive, improvisational flares complement the leader’s offbeat approach perfectly. All of the tracks are distinctive and work well, including the live recording that concludes the album. For Julian Banks, it seems the mission is accomplished.” - Album Review on 2MBS Fine Music
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OxyMoron
OxyMoron is my first album of original music in close to a decade. It comes from a contradiction that shaped the years between records: finding comfort and relief in something that can ultimately rob you of both. Sharing music with my daughter Jemima helped me rediscover the joy in playing again, and my partner Molly has stood beside me through it all. This album is dedicated to them.
Six tracks, melodic and groove-driven, with my quartet; James Gilligan, Louis King, Joe Talia, and Kade Brown on keys for the title track.
Agung
AGUNG - was recorded in Denpasar, a day after climbing the balinese volcano Gunung Agung. This recording is a collaboration between Julian Banks and Indonesian percussionist Cepi Kusmiadi on the Kendang Sunda. A thoughtful and captivating blend of percussion and melody.
Julian Banks Trio
A dynamic debut recording, featuring the incredible stylings of Christopher Hale on the 6 string semi-acoustic bass guitar, and powerhouse drummer James Hauptmann.