For the Dreamers Simon Lasky Group

• 1 The Outsiders 06:03
• 2 Everyday Hero 06:41
• 3 Human Nature 04:04
• 4 Half A World Away 06:13
• 5 Closer To The Sky 08:40
• 6 Bye Bye Blackbird 06:46
• 7 Tampa Strut 05:38
• 8 One Day I'll Fly Away 06:00
• Total Runtime 50:05

Info for For the Dreamers

For the Dreamers is an album by Simon Group Lasky, released by Ubuntu Music. This captivating collection of music showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of the group, taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey through various musical landscapes.

The album features a blend of jazz, fusion, and world music influences, resulting in a unique and innovative sound. Each track is meticulously crafted with intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that captivate the listener from start to finish.

From the opening notes of the first track to the closing moments of the last, For the Dreamers invites listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic experience like no other. The musicianship displayed throughout the album is truly remarkable, with each member of Simon Group Lasky demonstrating their virtuosity on their respective instruments.

The compositions on For the Dreamers are both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative. The group effortlessly weaves together different musical elements to create a rich tapestry of sound that is both engaging and deeply moving.

Listeners will find themselves swept away by the enchanting melodies and infectious grooves found on this album. Whether you're a fan of jazz or simply appreciate great music, For the Dreamers is sure to leave a lasting impression.

With its masterful musicianship, innovative compositions, and captivating performances, For the Dreamers is an album that deserves a place in every music lover's collection. Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical journey.

Simon explains his thinking behind For the Dreamers: “I think that, deep down, I always knew (hoped!) that I would spend some time in America one day; form a band there; do some concerts; and record an album. My only surprise is that it took me until my mid-forties to do it! I wanted to harness my love for many genres of American music, utilise local American musicians and compose music for that particularly confident way they have of playing. This is the resulting album!

“However, most of the compositions and arrangements on this record were penned during a very challenging time: I had some major health problems (which resulted in double jaw surgery), I lost my father, and - like so many of my colleagues during the global pandemic - there were times I doubted how, when and where we would make music again. Yet, throughout that time, music was there as a companion, a comfort, and a source of hope. When I was composing the music on this record, I was transported away from those challenging daily realities. Composing helps me dream! So, despite the challenging circumstances of its inception, the music on this record is unfailingly optimistic. It explores notions of heroism, flight, fancy and dreaming. And it's the 'American' record I always dreamed I would make!”

Regarding the music itself, Simon shares his perspective: “The music on this album represents many firsts for me, in my recording career so far: It’s the first music I've released since winning the 2018 British Composer Award (now Ivors Composer Awards) in the Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble category for 'Close to Ecstasy'. It's the first time I have recorded and released some of my arrangements, which appear alongside my own compositions. It's the first time I've recorded with a full horn section. And it's the first time I've recorded with vocals. The album is based around my core rhythm section of some of the finest players from the Tampa Bay jazz scene (Elias Tona - bass/Peter Mongaya - guitar/Jonathan Thomas - drums). They have a punchy and strident way of playing, and I have written with those strengths in mind. I wanted to feature horn players from both sides of the pond and, on ‘Closer to The Sky’, I have fulfilled a 25-year-old ambition of recording with a childhood hero and one of my favourite musicians (saxophonist, Tim Garland).

“I am particularly attracted to the idea of making a relatively small ensemble (the Octet on this record) sound as big and symphonic as possible. Weather Report and the Pat Metheny Group come to mind as obvious models for that 'epic' sound from small forces. And, as is always the case, my charts are through-composed, driven by a strong compositional narrative and I hope to take the listener on a journey. Maybe they can dream too!”

Simon Lasky, piano, keyboards
Peter Mongaya, guitars
Alejandro Arenas, bass
Jonathan Thomas, drums
Ona Kirei, vocals
James Suggs, trumpet
Aaron West, alto saxophone
Jack Wilkins, tenor saxophone

Simon Lasky
British composer/pianist, Simon Lasky, is known on both sides of the Atlantic for his expansive and melodic jazz compositions and arrangements which draw on his background as an improvising pianist and classically trained composer. Born in London, but now living in Central Florida, Simon’s composition ‘Close To Ecstasy’ won the 2018 Ivors Composer Award in the ‘Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble’ category. Upon receiving the award, BBC Radio 3 presenter Andrew McGregor described the winning composition as “a joyous exuberant piece, brilliantly crafted on all levels, and with great textural and melodic writing.” In 2019 Simon was awarded a Fellowship to complete his Masters in Jazz Studies at The University of South Florida, working as assistant to five time GRAMMY nominated jazz composer Chuck Owen.

“Lasky’s music is atmospheric, melodic, airy, thoughtful and often influenced by the Pat Metheny Group without being too derivative.” — Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene

As a recording artist, Simon signed with independent British jazz label – ‘33Jazz’ Records – in 2015, releasing two albums of his own compositions under the Simon Lasky Group banner. His music has been broadcast extensively on BBC Radio in the U.K and on NPR and the CBC in North America, and his compositions for the concert platform have been performed in London’s Barbican Hall, South Bank Centre and St John’s Smith Square. Simon’s arrangement of ‘Over The Rainbow’ for string quartet was performed by The Afiara Quartet in London’s Wigmore Hall in 2015, and subsequently in 15 countries across the globe

An in demand member of the London jazz scene for 15 years, Simon taught jazz piano, composition, harmony and General Musicianship at Trinity College of Music (now Trinity Laban) in London from 2005-2018. He was Head of Jazz at Bradfield College during the same period. He currently lives in Tampa, FL working as a pianist and band leader on the Central FL jazz scene and as an NPR jazz host 3 nights a week on WUSF 89.7FM.

Following awards to partake in the Winter Residency Programme at The Banff Centre in Canada in 2013 and 2014, Simon developed his unique ‘It’s All Music’ educational concept which he has presented to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in Canada and throughout the U.K.

During the 2020 lockdown Simon developed his ‘At Home With’ interview series, presenting in-depth conversations with some of the world’s leading jazz artists, including Vince Mendoza, John McLaughlin, Bob James, Joe Locke, Billy Childs and others. The interviews are all available on YouTube.

“A paean to well-constructed composition and honest-to-goodness musical texture.” — Rob Mallows, London Jazz News

This album contains no booklet.