Steve Baker: Tonic (UBU0096)

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the multi-talented instrumentalist Steve Baker for Tonic, the release of his first album as leader.

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, says of the album: “I am overwhelmed by the beauty, the intimacy, the warmth, and the joy that leapt right out of my speakers and seduced my senses.”

A successful media composer for over thirty years, Steve has composed widely for television and radio, specialising in library music. His clients include KPM Music, EMI Production Music, Cavendish (under the pseudonym Steve Adams), West One Music Group, Score/BMG and Universal (also as Steve Adams). A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, orchestrator and producer, Steve’s genre-crossing compositions have been used extensively across all international media for decades.

Steve elaborates on the idea behind his project: “From its conception I envisaged this record as being quite cinematic with a lot of people involved. I needed a break from the artistic and time constraints of scoring for media and felt the need to sit at the piano and do some really serious composing. I needed a kind of Tonic.”

“Musically it was important for me to bring an improvisatory quality to the record, and I am humbled and fortunate to have worked with some amazing jazz musicians along the way. The orchestrations evolved throughout the making of this record in response to their incredible artistry, imagination and individualism.”

Concerning the title itself, Steve continues: “In music, Tonic is the first degree of a scale often forming the keynote of a piece. My keynote ––a soliloquy on the birth of a child––unwittingly evolved into this highly personal suite of music which explores family, childhood and my place in the world.”

Tonic is performed by an exceptional all-star band featuring Ralph Salmins (drums), Mark Lockheart (saxophones and bass clarinet), Laura Jurd (trumpet and flugelhorn), Raphael Clarkson (trombone), John Parricelli (electric guitar), Tom Herbert (double bass), Robin Mullarkey (electric bass), Dedi Madden (acoustic and electric guitars), Caroline Dale (cello), Richard Harvey (recorder), Walter Mets (percussion), Katherine Baker (flute), Ghatam V Suresh (ghatam), plus Angeline Morand, Carmen Daye and Lauren Christie (voices).

Steve supplies his talents on piano, keys, guitars, melodica, and voices. String arrangements were performed by The Hungarian Studio Orchestra and conducted by Peter Illenyi. The album was recorded in Budapest and London.

On his inspiration for the album, Steve reflects: “I'm not exactly sure where this music comes from…I think it’s more of a thought I hold lightly rather than a specific concept. It could be about growing up, or watching my own children growing up, or how it feels to be living at home. These stories seem to unfold musically from there. One piece was even inspired by a Bridget Riley poster that used to hang on the wall by my Mum’s piano.

Steve shares his perspective on his new relationship with Ubuntu Music: “I'm delighted to partner with Ubuntu Music who have been enthusiastic and committed to my project. The music is very personal, and the Ubuntu relationship has allowed it to stay that way.”

Martin Hummel concludes: “This is an album that’s all about Steve. It’s an honour to be a part of this project. We welcome Steve to the Ubuntu Music Family with open arms.”