Scoring two album releases in lightening quick succession, Birmingham-based trumpeter Bryan Corbett has the distinction of having his name adorn incredible releases in 2026 by Soulpersona and the Instrumental Groove Unit.
Certainly two projects that cater to his own long-standing affections for jazz-funk, Corbett's strengths have been honed over years of session work that has seen the trumpeter perform alongside UK luminaries including acid jazz icons The Brand New Heavies and Us3. Corbett's extensive resume comfortably moves beyond these realms however as work with BBC Concert Orchestra, Krakow's Big Band Małopolski, Ben E King and Ella Eyre further demonstrate his vast knowledge, versatility and technical ability.
Across the litany of ensembles and collectives he has leant his chameleonic abilities to there's something about an unhindered version of Corbett's musical perspectives that brings out the absolute best in him.
We've touched on the excellent collaborative release with Morgan "Soulpersona" Howell for 'Aurora' - one of several projects that pair Corbett's trumpet alongside the sweeping and expansive soundscapes cultivated by Howell's signature stylings. The Head Hunters-meets-acid jazz inspired album charts a wonderful musical conversation between two long-time friends and collaborators that are so finely in-tune with each other's musical ideals that the results make it all seem so effortless.
And then of course we have the Corbett-helmed Instrumental Groove Unit.
Featuring a fantastic quartet of musicians which include Luke Harris on drums, Paul Deats on Rhodes and bass by Wayne Matthews, Corbett & company present an extended funk workout which positions the notion of groove at the forefront of all else. It's an approach that ultimately allows for compositions to have all the room they need to fully explore the space and possibilities all around them.
With notably lengthy tracks - the shortest being 'Triponez' at nearly eight minutes and the longest 'IGU' at just over fourteen - the stage is set for an unrestrained and unfiltered display of freedom in the vein of, say, a Lonnie Liston Smith who craved atmospheric sensibilities as part of his own musical make-up. 'Aloelina' serves as a great example for the quartet working at their finest with a track that is beautifully paced and builds brilliantly towards its vibrant crescendo.
Despite the many accolades and achievements that Bryan Corbett has accrued throughout his career, there remains an unmistakable joy in hearing him operate on his own terms. Whether navigating the expansive, meticulously crafted soundscapes of Soulpersona or stretching out across the unhurried funk explorations of the Instrumental Groove Unit, Corbett demonstrates an intuitive understanding of when to lead, when to listen and when to simply let the music breathe.
No comments:
Post a Comment