Once dubbed “the Quincy Jones of Catford” by Rolling Stone magazine, the South Londoner has been a prominent force behind the scenes for several years now as an arranger and trombone player. His skillset has seen him perform alongside luminaries including Solange, Emile Sandé, Stormzy, Zara McFarlane, Kano, David Murray, LCSM, Swindle and Macy Gray to cite a few, additionally to working on both of Moses Boyd’s albums, including the Mercury Prize nominated ‘Dark Matter’. The Description is Not The Described is a four-track instrumental opus that falls within the cracks of contemporary jazz, encompassing a wide-range of black music sub-genres that Nathaniel heard growing up in a British-Caribbean household. “The overview for this EP at the core of each track is jazz arranging, but disguised under a range of styles of music from the black diaspora” says Nathaniel. Sonically, the full-set threads in strains of bruk, calypso, dancehall, neo-soul, hip hop, gospel, afro-cuban and West African music. The title itself ‘The Description is Not The Described’ comes from a quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti. In Nathaniel’s words “the title is a reflection of where we are in the world today. So many of us are caught up in labels and descriptions that we end up looking at people for WHAT they are, rather than embrace them for WHO they are. No matter how detailed the description is, it will never capture the essence”. DMCWORLD check in for a wonderful Back To Mine…
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J.J. Johnson – Viscosity
J.J. Johnson was one of the innovators of jazz trombone, and was my introduction to jazz and jazz trombone. This is one of my favourite tunes of his.
Bud Powell – Bud’s Bubble
One of my major influences for jazz. Listening to and understanding the music of Bud Powell helped give me a deeper understanding of bebop and composition. I love how this track is so melodic and rhythmic at the same time.
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – On The Ginza
When I first heard this song it stuck out to me. I thought it was such an interesting composition. Composed by one of my biggest musical influences Wayne Shorter.
Gregory Isaacs – Border
I grew up in a Caribbean household, so I heard lots of Caribbean music growing up. I remember grabbing a Gregory Isaacs record at home and putting on this track, and just loved it.
Brass Mask – Onnellinen
A band I played in lead by saxophonist Tom Challenger. This was a fun band to play in, I found the compositions and arrangements very unique. This was one of my favourite tracks to play.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – Voodoo
One of the legendary brass bands. They were very influential to me being a brass player. Love the vibe and energy of this track.
Moacir Santos – Quiet Carnival
Heard this track a couple of years ago and I was blown away by the orchestration, harmonies and the arrangement. Also the groove of the track reminded me of bruk (broken beat).
Kenny Carr – Sound The Alarm
This track features a trombone shout band. I came across trombone shout bands a few years ago, and the playing is so lyrical and soulful, like a singer. As you’ll hear in the track.
Nadine Lee – Special
Nadine is a relative of mine and a great musician. She’s been an inspiration on my musical journey. I love the positive message of this track.
