Dennis Rollins' Velocity Trio's "The 11th Gate" Digitally Released in the US on 11.11.11

Source: GoMedia PR
November 17, 2011
View read count

11.11.11. the date that is attributed by many to have metaphysical and mystical implications, will certainly prove to be an auspicious date for UK-based trombonist Dennis Rollins, whose CD with his Velocity Trio, The 11th Gate, will be released digitally in the US to coincide with its release in the UK and Europe.

For 25 years British trombonist Dennis Rollins, lauded as “the most exciting British trombonist for decades" by Jazzwise magazine, has played at the forefront of the UK jazz, funk and pop scene as an 'impossibly virtuosic' sideman to such stars as

Maceo Parker

saxophone, alto
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Maceo Parker,

Courtney Pine

saxophone
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Courtney Pine, The Brand New Heavies, Blur,

Tom Jones

woodwinds
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Tom Jones and as an award-winning leader in his own right.

Rollins is best known on the British and international jazz scene and is celebrated for his versatility and muscular approach on the trombone. A British musician with Jamaican roots and a top-class jazz/funk pedigree, Rollins'diverse musical influences are at the heart of his crowd-pleasing compositions, which consistently elicit high praise. Among his accolades are winning the 2006 BBC Jazz 'Best Band' award in 2006, the Parliamentary Jazz Education' Award, and

Ronnie Scott

saxophone, tenor
1927 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ronnie Scott's 'Best Trombone' Award.

Alongside Rollins in the Velocity Trio are organist

Ross Stanley

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Ross Stanley (The

Steve Howe

guitar, electric
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Howe Trio,

Mark McKnight

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark McKnight,

Dylan Howe

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Dylan Howe) and the fiery young drummer Pedro Segundo. The three cast a spellbinding sound as a charmed collective of musical prowess and muscular virtuosity that almost telepathically creates refined contemporary jazz arrangements marked by deep simmering grooves, attracting multiple generations of jazz, funk and world music fans. The 'electric' energy of Rollins' Velocity Trio morphs seamlessly from atmospheric ethereal melodies generated by Rollins' multi-harmonised horn to cinematic washes of Segundo's cymbals spilling over Stanley's growling organ grooves, to choral gospel riffs in praise of nature's inherent vibrational divinity.

The Trio's collaborative energy illuminates each of The 11th Gate's eleven tracks. The CD's opening track,"Samba Galactica," provides a first taste of the group's imaginative artistry as they embellish samba rhythms with the interplay of Rollins' steady trombone and Stanley's roaring organ. On “Emergence," Stanley's organ sets an almost ethereal mood, echoed by Segundo's mellow touch, laying a smooth foundation over which Rollins can move in to up the intensity. The same level of energy propels “Ujamma," on which a musical tension builds until it is steadied, supported by the trombone's slow sombre groove and a swinging drumbeat. On"The Other Side," Segundo's rhythmic contributions add a dash of delight, as if to transport listeners to that “other side" for which the track is titled.

As Mot��ma's first British signing, Rollins introduces more than just the music of his charismatic trio to the states. The album's title, The 11th Gate, is uniquely poised to relate to this year's widely publicized 11-11-11 phenomenon. Already the subject of a movie and many web posts (clocking millions of views), the date is attributed by some to be ushering in an Age of Aquarius-like shift towards a positive collective consciousness, and by others to be the gateway to the end of the world. Hopefully the latter prophecy will not come to pass, as The 11th Gate will be released digitally in the US and in both digital and CD formats in the UK and Europe on November 11.

The title of the CD also references Rollins' 47th (4 + 7 = 11) birthday, emphasizing the positive numerical significance of this extraordinary musical leader and his unique musical vision.

Visit Website

For more information contact GoMedia PR.