Jazz bassist Joe Downard collaborates with electronic artist Todd Speakman | Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES fuses electronics, jazz & world music

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Acclaimed UK jazz bassist Joe Downard enters the studio with electronic producer, Todd Speakman (Speakman Sound) to release 
Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES

An exploration of experimental underground electronics, jazz and world music

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Joe Downard & Todd Speakman Sound – Seven Japanese – THE REMIXES
Ears To Lean With Records
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Joe Downard, one of the most in-demand bassists in the UK today releases his new EP, Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES. Partnering with long-time friend and collaborator Todd Speakman (One half of electronic duo Speakman Sound), the remix EP is now available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp. The vinyl version is also available to pre-order and includes two exclusive bonus tracks. Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES follows the success of Downard’s debut album which was released in June 2020. The project is supported by the Lottery funded arts council programme and looks to explore the intersection between jazz and electronic music.

“This project was all about bringing my music to life in a new and experimental way. The combined styles of where we both sit musically was something that I wanted to experiment with. It really creates something unique and exciting with bursts of jazz, experimental, analog and electronics that bring together followers of both Speakman Sound and myself in the corners of the musical world that we represent! Lastly a huge thank you to Arts Council England that have supported this project.” –
Joe Downard

Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES is a new direction for Joe Downard which sees him partner with Todd Speakman. This long-term collaboration between both artists recreates two tracks from the album, AGURI and APOS which are morphed by Todd’s foothold in the realms of experimental underground electronics and combined with Downard’s routing in jazz and world music. The result is a balance of acoustic contemporary jazz with modern electronic stylings and sound design.

“To collaborate with Joe on taking the album tracks further – twisting them and bringing them into the more electronic world of my Speakman Sound project was an absolute joy! Joe’s ear extends wide and he is always looking to experiment, merge and cross pollinate with new styles and ideas. Sampling up and messing with his stems was a fascinating process” –
Todd Speakman

Still incorporating the live acoustic elements from the original recordings, the duo has given new life to each production through their love of analogue/modular synthesisers and drum machines. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Burial, Floating Points, Leon Vynehall and Four Tet, this collaboration is a reflection of how both artists have used the music that inspires them the most to encourage the development of their own original sound. Seven Japanese Tales – THE REMIXES brings together two friends and colleagues who have worked together for the past ten years in the studio and on stage across many projects.

Released last year, Joe Downard’s debut album, Seven Japanese Tales was released to great acclaim in the jazz world.

“His evolution has seen him move from this position as a respected session player towards becoming a composer in his own right. The Playing is outstanding.”
★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine

“Seven Japanese Tales is a mesmerising debut from Joe Downard. On this evidence, he has to be one to watch for the future”
★★★★ UK VIBE

“Joe Downard’s debut album is an ambitious affair which winningly blends intricate soundscapes created by retro-modern analog synthesisers with the two-horns-and-a- rhythm-section acoustic jazz tradition”
★★★★ All About Jazz

“An impressive début from Downard. A highly mature musical statement that establishes his credentials as a composer of considerable ability and imagination”
★★★★ The Jazz Mann

The EP marks the next chapter of collaboration for both Joe Downard and Todd Speakman. A fusion of two genres which is both innovative and exciting, Seven Japanese – THE REMIXES is out now via Ears To Learn With Records.