Neue Grafik Ensemble

South London based producer and multi-instrumentalist Neue Grafik announces his new EP 'Foulden Road Part II' from his Neue Grafik Ensemble band, released 25th March on Total Refreshment Centre. The sequel to their impressive 2019 release 'Foulden Road', Neue Grafik continues to incorporate 100% live takes with the ensemble, as well as solo productions that reflect Neue Grafik's past work with both the Rhythm Section and 22a labels. 

Neue Grafik explains, "This EP is a reflection of the social context which surrounds me" – created in a year of much social isolation as well as political unrest, 'Foulden Road II' explores the complex feelings that he found himself battling. He adds "In 2019, we released 'Foulden Road Part I', which was a transitional album, exploring a new culture and navigating between two worlds: Paris and London. 'Part II' is a bit darker, closer to realness with a sprinkle of hope. I couldn't have predicted that I'd finish it encased in my flat, between four walls, in December 2020 after a year of lockdown, Brexit, George Floyd protests, and without London's brilliant culture mesmerising my mind. Everything was sad and closed. Hills were difficult to climb. But it also gave me the time to work hard and deliver this second part of Foulden Road, pushing it forward". 

Combining an array of influences — from London, to Paris via New York, Nigeria and Cameroon — with well-measured confidence, ' Foulden Road II' allows you to reflect on the complexities of the last year, whilst braced with energy and hope to move forward positively. Heavy horns and hypnotic poetry form the backbone record, which will ignite any room. 'Foulden Road II' begins with the grounding poetry of MA.MOYO on 'Black Bodies'. The EP is dedicated to Adama Traoré, a black man who died in police custody in Paris. Neue Grafik explains "His name is not well known outside of France. I was shocked, devastated even, to learn that his story didn't cross the Channel". 'Queen Assa' is a heavily percussive dancefloor-hitter which honours French activist Assa Traoré, (Adama's sister) her family, and her struggle to support all families hurt by police brutality. Broken beat elements flow through the horn accompanied 'Officer, Let Me Go To School', while West London rapper Lord Apex offers an unapologetic and poignantly personal perspective on 'Step To It'. 

Released on the Total Refreshment Centre label, based out of Stoke Newington's Foulden Road, the EP is a testament to his versatility as an ever-shifting figurehead. Engineered by Capitol K, recorded at Total Refreshment Centre, mixed by Marcus Linon at Greasy Records and mastered by Guy Davie at Electric Mastering – a significant pillar in Neue Grafik's musical career. Having played a DJ set there in 2017, he was convinced by TRC founder Lex Blondin to start a band after he was heard playing some compositions on the communal piano. After spending a couple of sleepless nights on the living room couch, his first gig was booked in the venue space downstairs a week later. The ensemble was established and he has remained in London ever since. 

2/22 (two-twenty-two) are one of the hottest jazz ensembles to emerge from the rehearsal rooms of Leeds Conservatoire in the last 18 months. Like minded souls coming together from a love of UK/US contemporary jazz fusion and influenced by the likes of Yussef Kamaal/Butcher Brown/Ezra Collective/Alfa Mist, 2/22 blend jazz with a multitude of genres, consistently keeping energy, emotion and infectious rhythm at the forefront. This is definitely "jazz in the present tense". They began in their second year at the music conservatoire but their progress was temporarily stalled as the pandemic shut down the music scene and gigs disappeared. Since live music came back last summer, they've played sold out/packed events at Hyde Park Book Club, Smokestack, The Wardrobe as well as supporting London's explosive jazz/afro/bass giants Steamdown at Headrow House. In November, they headlined Brudenell Social Club for the first time at DJ Lubi's Jazzland Session "Young Jazz Rebels" showcase. On a Monday night in November, they put 200 people into the main room. A phenomenal achievement for a band of final year music college students. That same month, they also released their debut single "Opal" produced by Leeds jazz/soul genius producer Troy Kay, a killer slice of jazz improvisation and broken beat madness. It made it onto the BBC Introducing (West Yorkshire) "Best Of 2021" list. They've supported Nubiyan Twist and Yaatri this year and are the perfect band to open up for Neue Grafik Ensemble.