This summer is proving to be a real treat for Growroom Productions enthusiasts as the Maryland-based label reassert themselves with some new releases for the year.
Just a month removed from the release of Hyper Battle's 'III', the alternative live electronica aesthetic mixed with a left-of-centre rock sensibility concluded the Dominic Elliott and Lee Durham project in fine fashion, making for a riveting three-part series of enthralling music.
But as one chapter closes, another begins with the release of A-tet's debut release with 'Night Watch'. Although serving as the group's formal introduction to new listeners around the world, fans of live music around the Washington DC area would have had the opportunity to catch A-tet live as far back as 2018. Boasting a lengthy residency at the speakeasy jazz bar, 600 T, A-tet have presented their eclectic musical tastes on Thursday nights with a mix of their original compositions alongside, as described via the group's Bandcamp page, "classic and modern straight ahead, funk and hip hop interpretations". It's certainly an exciting perspective to showcase for an innovative jazz ensemble especially considering the imaginative minds involved in the A-tet quartet.
Comprised of upright bassist and band leader Alex Nowak, guitarist Rob Coleman, drummer Lee Durham and saxophonist Brendan Schnabel, the A-tet quartet is represented by four artists having been immersed in Washington's live music scene for years. A union cultivated by weekly live performances, the release of 'Night Watch' arrives with great excitement and a fantastic addition to the Growroom catalogue. A label, and a platform, to celebrate artists of the Washington area, Growroom has proudly embraced a variety of musical genres from funk and soul to alternative electronica and beyond. Ultimately, the label has cultivated its reputation as a recording home that embraces unique artists and artistry with a story to tell, with releases steeped in sincerity and unhindered in its over-arching design.
A-tet's 'Night Watch' is very much indicative of the Growroom aesthetic. A four-track release, recorded in March 2024, and with each track penned by a different member of the band. The eight-minute 'A Living Picture' kicks the project off perfectly displaying a vibrant and infectious enthusiasm before the undeniable sublime groove of 'Teal Blues' kicks in. 'Sunny Ocean' displays the twinges of noir jazz that conjure up those intimate nights of what a performance in 600 T would probably sound like while the effervescent title track reinjects that unpredictability back into the EP.
As A-tet step confidently from the stage to the studio, they not only showcase their individual talents but also reinforce the spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of both their band and the Growroom label. It's a striking debut that captures the atmosphere of their live shows and offers a thoughtful, soulful release that's as much about place and people as it is about sound.
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