Prolific drummer Richard Spaven releases his first full length LP, following on from the acclaimed 'Spaven's 5ive EP'. This latest record 'Whole Other*' showcases the drumming artistry many of us associate with Spaven, combined with his own productions in the realm somewhere between Jazz, Electronica and Soundtracks.
Spaven has supplied the drums for many artists on stage and in the studio -- José James, Flying Lotus, The Cinematic Orchestra, Guru's Jazzmatazz, Gregory Porter to name but a few. Working closely with such a diverse range of artists must bare influence upon Spaven's own compositions, in which some how the drums bridge the gap between the worlds of jazz and electronic music.
Spaven's debut release '5ive's EP' (Jazz Refreshed) in 2010 quietly turned heads. Most recently it featured on best selling video game 'Grand Theft Auto V'. With a guest appearance by José James on the hypnotic 'Maz', the record was seen by some as a jazz record but was also played out loud by many club DJ's.
'Whole Other*' continues the journey. The music is rich and genre defying. Blue Note Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda appears on the record, playing soulfully amongst ragga tinged drums. GTA V collaborators 'The Hics' join Spaven on the albums title track 'Whole Other*'. UK sounds to the fore – James Blake--esque moody vocals meeting Spaven's edgy broken drums head on. Guitarist Stuart McCallum's (The Cinematic Orchestra) signature sound is prominent – Spaven has been working with him since their meeting on stage with Cinematic a few years ago and he features throughout the record.
In keeping with Spaven's passion for the club scene – 'Whole Other*' will be followed by some remixes from Mala (DMZ), Ital Tek (Planet Mu), Falty DL (Ninja), Frederic Robinson (Blu Mar Ten).
Released on P-Vine Japan 04/07/14 and Kudos R.O.W. 07/07/14
01. Assemble (Intro)
Spaven/McCallum
Richard Spaven - Drums
Takuya Kuroda - Trumpet
Fridolijn Van Poll - Vocals
02. Whole Other* with The Hics
Spaven/McCallum/PaulEvans/Barker
Sam Paul Evans - Vocals
Roxane Dayette - Vocals
Richard Spaven - Drums
Stuart McCallum - Guitar
03. Taj
Spaven/Blevins/Windsor
Richard Spaven - Drums
Robin Mullarkey - Bass
Graeme Blevins - Flutes
Grant Windsor - Rhodes
04. SideIIside
Spaven/Hector/Windsor
Richard Spaven - Drums
Sharlene Hector - Vocals
Grant Windsor - Rhodes
05. Tribute
Spaven/McCallum
Richard Spaven - Drums
Stuart McCallum – Guitar
06. The Look Out
Spaven/McCallum
Richard Spaven - Drums
Fridolijn Van Poll - Vocals
Stuart McCallum – Guitar
sample from
Stuart McCallum
'Indigenous'
07. Bianca
E.Gismonti
Richard Spaven - Drums
Dave Austin - Guitar
Danny Fisher - Guitar
Robin Mullarkey - Bass
Graeme Blevins- Flute
Ben Edwards – Flugelhorn
08. Closure
with Kutmah
Kutmah/Spaven
Richard Spaven - Drums
09. Speedbird
Spaven/McCallum
Richard Spaven - Drums
Stuart McCallum - Guitar
Robin Mullarkey - Bass
Produced by Richard Spaven
Recorded and Mixed at Flowriders Studio, Amsterdam
Flutes for 'Taj' & horns for 'Bianca' recorded at The Lyres Studio, London
Mixed by Vincent Helbers and Richard Spaven
Mastered by Matt Lord at Chocolate Factory, London
Photos by Richard Spaven
Design by Mitchy Bwoy
Richard Spaven plays Meinl Cymbals,Yamaha Drums, Los Cabos Drumsticks, Remo Drum Heads.
Thanks to the brothers, sisters and heavy hitters - Stuart McCallum, Vincent Helbers, Simon Purnell, Mitchy Bwoy, Robin Mullarkey, Sharlene Hector, Fridolijn Van Poll, Sam Paul Evans, Roxane Dayette and the Hics, Takuya Kuroda, Kutmah, Dave Austin and Danny Fisher (Acer Maple), Graeme Blevins, Grant Windsor, Ben Edwards, Matt Lord, José James.
And for your support – Tracy Ramps, DJ Marilyn, Adam Rock and Jazz Refreshed, Mala & Mrs Mala, Gilles Peterson, Simbad, Mari Kimura, Shuhei Tochiori, Karen P, KCRW, Ian Croft at iDrum Magazine, Norbert Saemann, Martin Kleinbreuer, Matt Carter, Falty DL, Ital Tek, Frederic Robinson, Mode 2, Ben South, Duff, Kris Bowers, Nailah Porter, Anna Massey. Simon Brant… your enthusiasm lives on mate.
I had one drum teacher.
His name was Mr. Freddie Wells. RIP.
