British composer Will Bates has shared his project ‘The Pirate Album’ in full.
The composer has a long history of working on soundtrack projects, while his stints in bands have moved from electronic music to indie rock via jazz.
Recently given a commission, Will decided to hire a fifteen-foot-long balafon (gourd-resonated xylophone) without consulting the director. Close friend Mathias Kunzli jumped to lend his hand, and sessions quickly sprang into life.
The commission was then pulled, so Will decided to continue anyway – and his new album is the result.
Gathering some close friends together, Will Bates was joined by Quentin Collins – a London-based jazz musician – best known for his work as Kyle Eastwood’s trumpet player; the ensemble were then joined by Will’s drummer and percussionist of fifteen years came on board, New York-based Spencer Cohen.
Reminiscent in places of Eden Ahbez and Talking Heads, ‘The Pirate Album’ is dosed in originality – Will comments…
“I know how lucky I am to have a career in film music, being able to make music everyday. But it’s been a long time since I worked on music that isn’t against picture, and any insecurities I may have had about it were quickly cast aside with the help of my collaborators.”
Tune in now.
