top of page

Band and Album Info

Different Orbits is the propulsive debut album from J-Sonics, the six-piece collective who have emerged in the last two years as one of London’s hottest groove-driven jazz bands. Set for release on LYTE Records this November, the album brings together a fiery sax-trumpet front line that’s fuelled by imaginative guitar work, and a powerhouse bass, drums and percussion rhythm section. J-Sonics push the energy out front and have built a formidable reputation as a compelling live act through sold-out appearances at prestigious London venues such as 606 Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Hideaway and Spice of Life as well as a storming appearances at the 2014 Love Supreme Jazz Festival, 2015 London Latin Jazz Festival and three appearances at the EFG London Jazz Festival.

 

Led by bass guitarist and composer Mike Flynn, J-Sonics features some of London's finest musicians - all solo artists in their own right - but all collaborating within J-Sonics' exciting mix of memorable originals and re-tooled jazz, Brazilian, Afro and rare-groove tunes. Led by the powerful twin-horn attack of saxophonist Matt Telfer and trumpeter Andy Davies, alongside guitarist and composer Clement Regert, drummer Gabor Dornyei and powerful percussionist Jon Newey.

Different Orbits was recorded in a single weekend, live and direct in Wax Studios in Dalston, and bottles some of the unique chemistry that has made this band such a hit on the live circuit. The dynamic ten-track album dives through a vibrant blend of street-funk, Brazilian and Afrobeat songs all shot through with captivating jazz solos, fluid improvisation and a ton of memorable melodies. Originals include cool strutting opener ‘Push’, the stirring Afro grooves of ‘Sing Your Own Anthem’ and ’12 Labours’, the twists and turns of ‘Little Ben’ and slamming closer ‘J-Sonics Theme’. There’s a sophisticated slice of soulful jazz funk too that morphs into a Latin-jazz burn up on the vocal-led single ‘Samba House’, one of three tunes to feature stunning London-based Spanish singer Grace Rodson. Her sublimely soulful vocals also feature on the thumping Brazilian-funk classic ‘Partido Alto’, (with a brilliant soprano sax solo from Telfer), and funky Ed Motta favourite ‘Bananeira’. Other choice covers include an electric Miles-ish take on ‘Mr Clean’ with scorching bass, trumpet and drum solos, plus the burning samba of ‘Casa Forte’.       

 

Different Orbits is a punchy opening gambit from an exciting genre-hopping jazz collective – combining hook-laden originals and inventive reworkings of timeless gems, all given a distinctively energetic yet virtuosic spin. 

Band Bio
 

With a wide range of collective experience J-Sonics' band members are all hugely respected musicians both as in-demand sidemen and acclaimed solo artists and have worked with numerous leading musicians. Rising star Hungarian drummer Gabor Dornyei is an internationally recognised clinician for Sonor drums and also tours widely with his own Thunder Duo group, while he's also made several world tours with the Michael Jackson Thriller Live! and Rock Of Ages shows. Trumpeter Andy Davies leads the renowned weekly jam session Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's and his own groups Simian's of Swing and Bop Shop, while Matt Telfer's regular monthly Vandoren and Yanagisawa jam nights at The Spice of Life and his own Art Blakey and Wayne Shorter inspired solo projects have put these dynamite horn players at the heart of the London jazz scene. Guitarist Clement Regert's many sessions and gigs with the likes of Liane Carroll and Dennis Rollins along with his critically acclaimed Wild Card group sees him working with some of the UK's finest musicians. Bassist Mike Flynn has worked with many leading jazz, world and funk musicians, while also writes and produces his own music and has released an album on Babel records with singer Paula Rae Gibson. Percussionist Jon Newey was a founding member of England's Glory with whom he recorded two albums. He toured and recorded with Crew, south London jazz funk legends Jabba, the Chris Jagger Band and other session dates. London based Latin-jazz singer-songwriter Grace Rodson (pictured left) is a world-class vocalist with high musical studies in classical and jazz. Originally from Spain, she has performed with Iceland super-star Björk and is currently the lead singer of salsa maestro Roberto Pla & His Latin Ensemble and the Yes!!! Brazil Show in the UK, and has been a regular guest singer with J-Sonics for the last year.




Mike FlynnClement RegertAndy DaviesMatt TelferGabor DornyeiJon Newey
 

© 2015 by J-Sonics Media

bottom of page