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Broken Circles

by Jure Pukl

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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    High quality, 180 gram, 12" LP - comes with download code containing the digital album in multiple formats

    Includes unlimited streaming of Broken Circles via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days
    edition of 300 
    Purchasable with gift card

      $28 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    High quality, 6 panel digifile with a velvety soft-touch laminate finish

    Includes unlimited streaming of Broken Circles via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $14 USD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Comes with album artwork booklet PDF + album cover photo as a jpg
    Purchasable with gift card

      $10 USD  or more

     

1.
2.
3.
Separation 06:22
4.
Compassion 05:22
5.
6.
7.
Empty Words 02:35
8.
Bass Intro 01:49
9.
10.
Kids 04:53
11.

about

PERSONNEL

Jure Pukl - tenor & soprano saxophone
Charles Altura - guitar
Joel Ross - vibraphone
Matt Brewer - double bass
Kweku Sumbry - drums

Recorded at Samurai Recording Studios, Astoria, NY (May 10 2019)
Mixed by Jure Pukl & David Stoller (Sept 19 2019) at Samurai Recording Studios, Astoria, NY
Mastered by Kevin Blackler at Blackler Mastering (Oct 3, 2019)
Produced by Jure Pukl
Executive Producer - Michael Janisch

credits

released February 21, 2020

ABOUT THE ALBUM

The sociopolitical and environmental focus on our world seems to be stronger than ever, predominantly for all the wrong reasons. But consequential calls for action can also summon a positive uprising of both energy and creativity – something particularly evident in the story behind Broken Circles from New York-based saxophonist/composer Jure Pukl, with new music that reflects empathy and respect. Previous Whirlwind releases Hybrid (2017) and Doubtless (2018) featured more spatial quartet and dual-tenor environments. But Pukl has also been honing this quite different quintet sound with the arresting line-up of guitarist Charles Altura, vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Kweku Sumbry.

“We’ve been playing in New York for a while now,” explains Pukl, “including Smalls, Fat Cat and The Jazz Gallery, and I am drawn to how the watercolor feel of guitar and vibes changes the sound, quite different to piano, and sometimes even blurs those textures. I hear Joel as another prominent melodic voice, and Charles contributes hugely to the arrangements.” Alongside the dexterity of bassist Matt Brewer is the astonishing talent of Kweku Sumbry. “He moved here a couple of years ago,” enthuses Pukl, “and comes from a strong African-family percussion tradition. Hearing this album, my very good friend, drummer Howard Curtis, exclaimed: ‘Wow, who’s the drummer? He sounds like a percussionist playing drums!’ – and that’s exactly what he is. So most of the pieces were written (with input from Pukl’s saxophonist wife, Melissa Aldana) with this group in my head.”

Apparent from the opening bars of ‘Sustained Optimism’ is the fluidity of this quintet, where Pukl’s constant stream of tenor invention is echoed in the rapid elegance of guitar and vibes, supported by electrifying rhythm section; and the title track’s similar determination chimes with scintillating shared phrases and improvisation. While ‘Separation’ (a favourite of Pukl’s) echoes themes of broken communities and relationships repeated across the globe, its mellow beauty serves to remind us of our responsibilities to one another; and a Chilean kalimba – “the sound of love, positivity and compassion” – announces a sublime quintet arrangement of previously recorded ‘Compassion’.

Buoyant ‘Triumph of Society’ – an anthem for change that starts with us all – trades tenor against vibes, also featuring remarkable guitar and drum solos, towards an almost symphonic conclusion; and Pukl’s pensive bass clarinet in ‘Gloomy Sunday’ – a 1930s Hungarian tune with dark associations – also finds the light. Elsewhere, busy 11/8 ‘Half Past Five’ swirls with abandon; ‘Kids’ (charmingly introduced by two young sax students) is a contemplative falling-phrase paean to the next generation; and sprightly soprano conclusion ‘Sky is the Limit’ confirms the overarching joy in this album.

Jure Pukl resolutely recognizes his artistic direction: “The music I’m making is evolving – here, I’ve stepped away from piano, added vibraphone and guitar, and have taken time to concentrate more on the compositional aspects. I see myself developing not just in jazz terms, but also influenced by my classical training.” Broken Circles clearly mirrors that concept of self-awareness, maturity and confidence.

PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

"‘Broken Circles’ is a beautifully composed project that highlights Jure Pukl’s innovative approach to his playing and compositions."
★★★★ UK Vibe

"An inspired recording of contemporary jazz."
★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine

"Sophisticated but enjoyable music. The quintet enjoys great chemistry, especially in its front line of Pukl, Ross and guitarist Charles Altura."
DownBeat Magazine

“A quintet of musicians working and playing to create messages that resonate… His [Pukl’s] writing keeps on maturing as does his playing.”
Step Tempest

"Five stars!"
Bebop Spoken Here

"Broken Circles displays outstanding instrumentalists and the music of Jukl and his band is engaging."
Jazz à Babord

"Widespread progressions with meticulously wrought melodic themes wrapped around are prevalent on an album which doesn't hesitate to vary speed and structure throughout... Jure Pukl once again proves to be a smart composer who is able to channel emotional depth through instrumental eloquence."
★★★★ All About Jazz

"Broken Circles reflects Pukl's self-awareness, maturity and self-confidence."
Rhein Main magazine

"The music in Broken Circles reflects Pukl's virtuosic prowess both as a composer and performer."
JazzTrail

"A highly individual and accessible sound that’s more than the sum of its impressive parts."
Jazz Views

"It’s hard not to admire the thought and craft that’s gone into the music composed and performed by this talented band. Certainly music for our times"
Jazz Journal

"Impressive directions and musical musings."
Jazz Weekly

"Broken Circles’ crisp and clear arrangement makes for a rewarding listen, with new layers unearthing themselves on each listen."
Presto Jazz

“Broken Circles shows a growing confidence and true maturity."
France Musique

"Pukl uses his impressive resources as a composer to create music that displays the full range of his band’s impressive talents."
Jazz Views

"One of the freest, brightest and most charismatic saxophonists of the time."
Saarbrücker Zeitung

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