Manuel PulisWe’ve seen him play with Kantilena, Yews, Stalko, Brikkuni and The Bond Quartet, but this time this young, prolific Maltese drummer is stepping onstage with his own band, The Manuel Pulis Project.
The band is a musical collaboration featuring bassist Alan Portelli as well as guitarist Jes Psaila and Thomas Cauchi on trumpet; the live performance will include special guest Giovanni Cigui from Italy on alto sax.
Manuel Pulis, who is currently studying at Siena Jazz University, says that after being part of so many other bands he felt it was time to put himself out there with the help of a few musician friends, playing improvised jazz standards as well as some of his own compositions.
“I think this project is best described as a journey where nothing exists but that current moment, and where nothing else matters but that current journey,” he said.
And if that sounds complicated, it’s essentially to do with capturing the music and nothing else.
“While all the band is influenced by jazz, we still want to take our music with a structural approach while having improvised sections in between for each of us to express himself as an individual musician.”
Pulis said he felt the line-up he has put together for the upcoming performance will bring out the importance of reliability among musicians. “I’m pleased to have some of the best Maltese musicians around me, as well as Giovanni as a special guest.”
Cigui and Pulis first met at the Vittoria Jazz Festival in Sicily, remaining in contact with the plan to eventually work together. “That day has finally arrived,” Pulis said. “We’ll be recording some of the material this week, but we’re especially looking forward to performing live together on Saturday.”
Supported by the Rotary Club and United Trust, The Manuel Pulis Project will also be showcasing their music globally in major events like the North Sea Jazz Festival and other major jazz and charity events.
The Manuel Pulis Project will be performing at St James Cavalier, Valletta, on Saturday.
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