“The future of UK jazz is bright. If ever proof were needed that London’s young jazz scene is on fire right now, here it is.” Evening Standard
“Not enough people realise how much this artist has helped to shape the U.K underground right now. A don.” The Move
“Tenderlonious is one of the hardest working men in music, bridging jazz, house and beats with restless ease.” The Vinyl Factory
“South London beat maker Tenderlonious has made waves with his beautiful hybrid productions of jazzy, house, hip-hop and more. Every new release is a must listen.” Stamp The Wax
“Loosey-goosey grooves and stoned soul chords” Resident Advisor
“The sheer force of this musician's personality is forging out a fresh universe for others to explore” Clash
22a label founder, flautist, saxophonist, producer and DJ extraordinaire Ed Cawthorne - aka Tenderlonious - has gained a reputation as one of the hardest working, most well respected and influential figures in South London’s burgeoning jazz scene.
Whether dropping sought-after deep house / broken beat 12”s on 22a, releasing via the likes of Ninja Tune, Brownswood, Yoruba Sounds Of The Universe and Far Out, or making inspirational sounds with his other band Ruby Rushton, Tenderlonious is one of the jazz renaissance’s leading lights.
He has helped turn the UK music scene on its head and shifted the focus back from aesthetic and sartorial posturing to live real musicianship, alongside other key piers like Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Henry Wu/Kamaal Williams and Shabaka Hutchins.
Tenderlonious’ credentials in both electronic and jazz worlds are impeccable. He already has a Solid Steel Radio, a monthly slot on Gilles Petersons Worldwide FM mix and NTS shows under his belt, whilst his productions have gained praise and club plays from Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Huey Morgan, Lefto, Bradley Zero, Bonobo, Soul Clap, Osunlade, Alexander Nut. Mr G, Henry Wu and Banoffee Pies.
The Shakedown is Ed’s debut album proper as Tenderlonious and features a new band - the dream team of top talent he named the 22archestra, who he leads seamlessly throughout. Listeners are exposed to the full breadth of Cawthorne’s technical and compositional skills, ranging from subtly meandering jazz, to hip-hop, afrobeat, Latin and exhilarating free form jazz.
SV Disco, a nod to the mighty Slum Village, is a chunk of sensually-contorted disco vibes that brings on full party mode instantaneously, with the slinky bass licks and pitch-bent synthesiser recalling Roy Ayres’s blissed-out funk, blended with flute flurries reminiscent of mind Max Cilla’s La Flûte des Mornes.
Maria showcases Ed’s roots as sample-based producer, pulling influence from around the globe to create an undulating piece of flute-led Brazilian fusion that fans of Ruby Rushton will find familiar. The eastern-inspired embellishments raise the temperature further, whilst former Yussef Kamaal member Yussef Dayes’ sizzling cymbals and shuffling snare work propel the track onwards, locking down a signature 22a groove.
Latin and African influence can be heard across many of the tracks. Togo is a smoky afrobeat jam that leaves space for Tenderlonious’ flute to soar above, his playing mimicking old school styles you might catch from MF Doom or J Dilla.
Yussef’s Groove kicks off with driving drums, and each of the 22archestra enter steadily, fully utilising their virtuosic power, switching between low-slung bass, chic open piano solos and hazy electric piano.
The Shakedown exercises more restraint, with Bitches Brew style ambience providing a palpable sense of anticipation and passion, whilst still retaining that stomping, low-riding 70s swing they do so well.
The 22archestra was conceived after Tenderlonious was invited to record at Abbey Road Studios. The whole crew was rounded-up and the album was recorded during a single 8 hour session – a testament to their musicianship and ability to nail a take, which has been honed on stage.
Live performances include sessions for Red Bull and Boiler Room, shows for Jazz Re:freshed, House of Vans, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Worldwide FM’s 2017 birthday party, plus a support slot for Ethio jazz legend Malatu Astatke at The Barbican. Crowds have also been wowed in Paris, Milan, Brussels, Croatia and Amsterdam.
22a is an independent record label founded in London in 2013. Born out of a duty to release their music, the focus is on a collective family of artists sharing work through the vehicle of the label, for the love of the music itself. 22a is firmly establishing itself as one of the leading independent labels in the UK, with a consistent output of quality releases spanning house, hip hop, broken beat, rare groove and jazz. They are residents on Worldwide FM and hosted and sold out the re-launch of Jazz Cafe in 2016.
1. Expansions
2. Yussef’s Groove
3. Togo
4. SV Interlude
5. The Shakedown
6. Maria
7. You Decide
8. SV Disco
9. Red Sky At Night
Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne: flute & synth
Hamish Balfour: keys
Fergus Ireland: bass
Yussef Dayes: drums
Tim Carnegue: drums
Mo Kolours: Percussion
Al Dobson Jr: percussion
Aidan Shepherd: keys
Nick Walters: trumpet
Reginald Omas Mamode IV: percussion
Jeen Bassa: percussion
Konrad: percussion
Producer; Tenderlonious
Executive Producer; Dennis Ayler
Engineer; Matt Mysko
All tracks written & arranged by Tenderlonious & The 22archestra
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, 26th March 2017
Cover Design; Theo Ackroyd
Cover Photography; Lou Jasmine
Shows
May 19th - Paris - La Petite Halle
May 26th – Liverpool - The Reeds
May 27th - Leeds - World Island
June 1st - Bristol - Louisiana
June 7th - Brighton - Patterns
June 8th - Wales - Gottwood Festival
June 14th - Manchester - Soup Kitchen
June 15th - Poland – Wrocław 22archestra show
June 22nd - London - Oslo
July 30th - Croatia - Soundwave
31st August - Cornwall - Knee Deep Festival
