raffy bushman: silver lines
Francisco Espregueira
Raffy Bushman, the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger, takes us on a captivating musical journey with his latest album, Silver Lines via Bridge the Gap. Following his exploration of string arranging and hip-hop on his previous release, E Minor String Quintet + Rhythm, Silver Lines showcases Raffy's deep connection to his jazz roots, assembling a stellar cast of collaborators to reimagine the post-bop sound. The album expands beyond the realm of the piano trio, featuring the expressive voices of Jonny Woodham and Theo Erskine on horns.
Drawing inspiration from the London jazz scene, tracks like “Silver Lines” and “Unit 31” incorporate hip hop back beats and two-step grooves, while “I Know, You Know” pays homage to the ballad arrangements of the late 1950s. Leading single “For Horace” is a heartfelt homage to the legendary pianist and bandleader Horace Silver. The track effortlessly blends afro-cuban percussion, a brooding bassline, emotive horn melodies, and dramatic piano passages, infusing a modern twist into the sounds of the 1960s. Raffy's musical journey, shaped by his experiences as the musical director of Unit 31 and the founder of The NuShape Orchestra, culminates in a deeply personal and honest expression of his eclectic influences, spanning hip hop, jazz, classical, and gospel. Silver Lines is a testament to his artistry, featuring compelling compositions and a fusion of styles that captivate the listener from start to finish. As the album explores new sonic territories and pays homage to jazz legends, it solidifies Raffy's unique and individual sound, making him an artist to watch in the contemporary jazz scene. Available on Bandcamp, courtesy of Bridge the Gap.