Catching Moments
Kim Cypher (Mean Reedz)
Catching Moments
by Kim Cypher
Label: Mean Reedz
Released: November 22, 2024
Kim Cypher's new album, Catching Moments, set to release on November 22, 2024, is a testament to her journey as one of the UK's most innovative Jazz musicians. Known for her vibrant saxophone performances and rich vocal tone, Cypher has built a solid reputation as "one of the UK's most exciting saxophonists, vocalists, & composers" (All About Jazz). Her third studio album, following the success of Make Believe and Love Kim x, continues to showcase her passion for storytelling through music, capturing life's fleeting yet precious moments.
This album is the culmination of a project born out of the COVID lockdowns, where Cypher found herself exploring new creative avenues during a challenging time for artists. Inspired by her 2020 charity initiative, For Mum, which raised £3,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity, Catching Moments serves as an emotional journey that both celebrates and pays tribute to the resilience of those in the arts community. "I embarked on a vast project called Brighter Tomorrow paying tribute to fellow creatives," Cypher explains, highlighting her commitment to honoring the dedication of artists through her music.
Featuring an impressive lineup of guest musicians, the album includes contributions from renowned artists such as Liane Carroll, Ray Gelato, and Antonio Forcione. Cypher's ability to seamlessly blend different Jazz styles—from bossa nova to swing—ensures a diverse listening experience. Notably, tracks like Birdie in the Grass are inspired by Cypher's appreciation for life's smaller moments. "I was standing at the window one day during lockdown watching a tiny baby bird playing in the grass... Before I knew it, I was singing a cheeky melody," she recalls, turning that scene into a playful bossa nova tune.
Cypher’s signature sound is heavily influenced by her mentors, the late Pee Wee Ellis and Andy Sheppard, with whom she studied, giving her music a rich, soulful quality. The album’s production, handled entirely by Cypher herself, highlights her meticulous approach to her craft. She recorded the album primarily in Swindon’s JJLV Audio Production studio, under the skilled engineering of Juanjo Lopez Vidal, ensuring that every note resonated with clarity and passion.
Tracks such as All for You, a heartfelt tribute originally part of her charity gig, and the live rendition of Tomorrow’s Song featuring Liane Carroll, bring an emotional depth to the album. Cypher’s vocal and saxophone prowess shine, especially in collaborative tracks like Together, where she and Ray Gelato create a dynamic interplay of saxophones and vocals.
“Hats off to a true heart and soul performer,” Jazz legend Pee Wee Ellis once said of Cypher, a sentiment that rings true in every track of this album. With Catching Moments, Kim Cypher has not only captured the essence of life's most treasured experiences but also solidified her position as a leading figure in contemporary Jazz. As David Freeman of Jazz FM aptly puts it, “Kim Cypher is a rare musical treasure.”
Personnel
Kim Cypher • tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, vocals, backing vocals and clarinet
Liane Carroll • piano & vocals
Ray Gelato • tenor saxophone & vocals
Antonio Forcione • guitar
Ashley Slater • trombone, trumpet & vocals
George Cooper • piano
Anders Olinder • piano & organ
Tom Berge • piano
Chris Cobbson • guitar
Ian Bateman • trombone
Alan Bateman • trumpet & baritone saxophone
Jonny Bruce • trumpet
Raph Mizraki • double & electric bass
Mike Cypher • drums, congas & percussion
Karl Vanden Bossche • percussion
Tracklist:
1. Uniquely the Same feat. Ashley Slater & Antonio Forcione
2. Water from an Ancient Well
3. All for You
4. Tomorrow's Song
5. Birdie in the Grass feat. Antonio Forcione
6. Gonna Be Alright, Gonna Be Ok
7. Where Time Goes feat. Antonio Forcione
8. Together feat. Ray Gelato
9. Tomorrow's Song (Live) feat. Liane Carroll
10. Tiempos Locos (Crazy Times Dance Remix) feat. Ashley Slater
11. I'm in the Mood to Wish Upon a Star feat. Ray Gelato
12. Bertie Bertie Bertie