Solstice is an ensemble comprising some of the foremost bandleaders and composers emerging from the thriving East London music scene, including in-demand saxophonist Tori Freestone and renowned vocalist Brigitte Beraha.
They have a unified sound drawing on influences from Brazil, New York, and France – in particular Dave Binney/Edward Simon’s ensemble, Hermeto Pascoal and Pierre de Bethmann, whilst retaining a uniquely British identity. The music consists of original compositions by every member of the ensemble, as well as a re-imagined interpretation of Bjork’s ‘Anchor Song’. Their debut album ‘Alimentation’, is launched tonight on Two Rivers Records, leading to a 20-date UK tour in 2017.
“Solstice’s set was steely, smooth and haunting; the more intense moments balanced by cool, shimmering plateaux of peace. Some of the compositions have a very urban, almost industrial sensibility to them; in my mind, its busy, chaotic, angular yet atonal lines seem to weave among streets of traffic and towering skyscrapers” (Rory Duffy).