HILL COLLECTIVE
Hill Collective is a jazz ensemble based in Brighton, UK. Led by saxophonist and composer Pete Piskov, the group offers a fresh musical attitude, employing modern improvisation techniques and nuanced compositions - a soulful, avant-garde addition to the bustling UK jazz landscape.
After their sold out release show at The Rose Hill, they are ready for the rest of the year which includes playing the New Generation Jazz stage at Love Supreme and supporting Xhosa Cole at Peckham Levels on 30th August.
Photo by Milo Costelloe
The members of the group are varied in their experience and backgrounds, coming together to create interesting music that addresses harmony, melody and rhythm in a playful, forward thinking way. Pete and Jojo Circle (Harp) come from a conceptual/ visual art background which has greatly influenced the way they and the group think about music.
At live shows, there is always a new improvisational method that is employed - graphic scores, experimental conduction techniques, musical divination, reactive improvisation to stimulus such as live poetry and field recordings. All of this informs the playing of compositions in a creative way. Often highlighting that music is present in every moment, in every sound.
"Enthusiastically embracing the full gamut of freewheeling experimentation ... from wonky bossas to deranged swinging Mingus-ism, this new release from Hill Collective is a compelling refutation to anyone who still thinks that jazz is no fun"
- Eddie Myer (New Generation Jazz / QOW Trio)
"Hill Collective seem at ease creating some of the boldest, bombastic and liberating music I have heard from any other release ... Fearless, passionate and deeply joyous"
- Ozzy Moysey (Ancient Infinity Orchestra)
"Tonal Prophecy" is Hill Collective's first studio album, released on the 20th April with the help of German label, Fin Du Monde. 12" Vinyl records are available on Bandcamp. The sound is varied and rich, drifting from almost-big band horn arrangements to riotous free jazz. Latin rhythmic attitudes and playful excursions to the absurd lay out a tonal palette that brings both solace and revelation.
Album Cover by Pete Piskov
The inclusion of the "Grand Unison Choir" in the recording is an important statement of community and the DIY ethics that surround the album. A group of about 20 friends chant, laugh, scream and sing, embracing the full spectrum of what makes this music so magical.
Holistic in its ethos, this album explores the warmest depths of the mind, body and spirit while keeping things light and honest- a music that speaks for itself, about itself and the world around it.
The album sits comfortably in it's own vibrant identity greatly inspired by the idiosyncrasies of Sun Ra, Art Ensemble of Chicago and Ornette Coleman.
Hill Collective is Pete Piskov (as,fl), Joe Edwards (dr), Will Roberts (trb), Phil Smith (tr), Luke Congdon (p), Jojo Circle (hp), Sudhi S Pooniyil (perc) and Joe Snelling (b) (Federico Micheli on the album).
Vinyl + Stream Bandcamp
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