Spring Heel Jack | Artist
Spring Heel Jack is an English electronic music project formed 1993 by John Coxon (electronics, multi-instruments) and Ashley Wales (electronics, guitar, trumpet). Wales was formerly a composer of contemporary classical music and leader of the band Crazy About Love, while Coxon was a successful remixer and producer (most notably for Betty Boo) prior to their joining forces. John Coxon is also an active member of bands About Group and Spiritualized, and Ashley Wales is a member of Bruise, Five or Six, and Shock Headed Peters. The band has garnered critical acclaim for their experimental soundscapes that blend elements of jazz, dub, drum and bass, and avant-garde music, which defy easy categorization. Their music is built on intricate layers of sound, unconventional rhythms, and a sense of sonic exploration, more often than not in collaboration with guest players, such as John Surman, The Blue Series Continuum, Wadada Leo Smith, Matthew Shipp, and Evan Parker. Their early drum and bass albums released during the 1990s earned positive reviews for their innovative take on the genre. But the release of Disappeared in 2000 marked a transition for Wales and Coxon, and featured the British saxophonist John Surman, whose appearance was a harbinger of their future direction. The following year the album Masses was an even more radical departure, featuring an array of collaborators on brass instruments, piano, guitar and drums. With this extended lineup they also released the highly regarded live album (Live) in 2003. Standout releases include albums Disappeared (2000), Masses (2001), Amassed (2002), and Live (2003). Spring Heel Jack's discography is a testament to their adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment with different sounds and textures. Commenting on the album Amassed, one critic praised it as "a musical work of immense depth. The slowly growing journey flows with amazing solos, incredible melodic fragments, smart interactions and invisibly directed songwriting.. demanding repeated listens". The band's name comes from 'Spring-heeled Jack' an entity in English folklore from the Victorian era, a diabolical looking figure with blazing red eyes and clawed hands who would leap across the London rooftops at night.
Artist Website: wikipedia/Spring_Heel_Jack
Featured Albums: Spring Heel Jack
Related Artists: John Coxon, Spiritualized, Ashley Wales, The Blue Series Continuum
