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Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory: Magnum Opus

By Neil Duggan
December 2, 2024
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Originally set up in 2015,

The Banger Factory

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">The Banger Factory is a 20-plus collective led by composer and trumpeter

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Kavuma. It is also the name of his record label. Both act as a showcase for some of the most gifted jazz talent the UK has to offer. Kavuma has a focus on nurturing young talent and providing vital opportunities for the next jazz generation to the extent that he acts as tutor at two London community-based charities.

Across its 12 tracks on double vinyl (15 on digital download), Magnum Opus offers original compositions from Kavuma and his band members, along with some well-chosen covers. The lineup varies with each track. At its core is the classic hard bop lineup of tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass and drums. To this is added

Theo Erskine

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Theo Erskine's alto sax, augmented by a varying cast of guitar, vibraphone, Hammond organ, trombones and some excellent vocals. There is also a mix of highly experienced musicians with a healthy influence from a more youthful generation.

Written by the Blue Note-infused tenor saxophonist

Musshinghi Brian Edwards

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Musshinghi Brian Edwards. "Waywards Return" is an eight-minute hard bop delight. Alongside his solo, he is joined by Erskine's alto,

Noah Stoneman

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Noah Stoneman on piano and Kavuma on trumpet. Trombone, vibraphone, bass and drums add heft and pace in this impeccably arranged, hard driving track.

There are four vocal tracks. "Fools Rush In" and "Evenin'" both purr with a wonderful vintage feel. The gently shuffling of "Lucky To Be Loved" is brought to life by the terrific warm-toned vocals of the composer

Sahra Gure

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Sahra Gure . Erskine's solo is just right and he is ably supported by

Marcus Praestgaard

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Marcus Praestgaard's guitar. Composed and superbly sung by

Marcina Arnold

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Marcina Arnold, "Woulda Coulda Shoulda" is a winner.

Artie Zaitz

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Artie Zaitz's guitar and

Ruben Fox

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Ruben Fox's tenor sax sparkle in an arrangement that blows the doors off.

Other highlights include the flowing "June 21st," which features Zaitz's guitar and Stoneman's piano melding around some fine vibraphone from

David Mrakpor

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">David Mrakpor. Erskine's composition, the 11-minute "Solecism," gives space for his alto and

Wilf Diamond

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Wilf Diamond's trombone to stretch out in their lilting solos, and Kavuma's solo soars. Elsewhere, the band are sharp as a tack on

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic
1922 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Mingus' "Opus 4" and Kavuma's "Cedar Tree." The rhythm combinations of bassist

Jack Garside

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Jack Garside and drummers

Jack Thomas

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jack Thomas and

Will Cleasby

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Will Cleasby deserve special mention for providing an inventive framework across the variety of musical styles.

With this many musicians, the arrangements are key. Kavuma's painstaking approach pays dividends as each artist gets space to showcase their talents. Championing the past as a method to inspire the next generation is not a new idea, but it has seldom been executed as well as it is here. The experienced and newcomers all contribute to an album that entertains throughout with an intriguing mix of contemporary jazz wrapped in vintage clothing. A magnum opus is usually an artist's crowning work and while Latin scholars may find fault with the placement of the adjective, there is little else to find fault with on this classy and captivating recording.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Max; Waywards Return; Fools Rush In; June 21st; Lucky To Be Loved; Cedar Tree; Solecism; Woulda Coulda Shoulda; Pink Sky; Opus 4; Evenin'; The Return of Johnny B.

Personnel

Mark Kavuma

trumpet

Theo Erskine

saxophone, tenor

Musshinghi Brian Edwards

saxophone, tenor

Misha Fox

trombone

Artie Zaitz

guitar, electric

Noah Stoneman

keyboards

Ruben Fox

saxophone

David Mrakpor

vibraphone

Deschanel Gordon

piano

Sahra Gure

vocals

Jack Garside

bass, acoustic

Jack Thomas

drums

Wilf Diamond

trombone

Jake Zaitz

guitar

Reuben James

keyboards

Marcina Arnold

vocals

Additional Instrumentation

Mark Kavuma: trumpet (1-10,12); Misha Fox: trombone, vocal (2-4,8-10,12); Christ-Stephane Boizi: trombone (3); Wilf Diamond: trombone (1,5,7,11); Musshinghi Brian Edwards: tenor saxophone (1-10,12); Ruben Fox: tenor saxophone (3,8,9); Theo Erskine: alto saxophone (1-10,12); Artie Zaitz: guitar, hammond organ, vocal (1,3-5,7-9,11); Marcus Praestgaard: guitar (5); Jake Zaitz: guitar (8,11); Noah Stoneman:piano (1,2,4,6-9,10,12); Reuben James: piano (3); Deschanel Gordon: piano, wurlitzer (9,12); David Mrakpor: vibraphone (1,2,4,6,7,9,12); Sahra Gure: vocal (5); Marcina Arnold: vocal, conga (8,9); Jack Garside: bass (1-10,12); Jack Thomas: drums (1,2,5-7,9,12); Will Cleasby (3,4,8,10,11).

Album information

Title: Magnum Opus | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Banger Factory Records

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