Debut solo album from Jes Psaila
Having worked with countless bands, artists and projects in rock, jazz and other genres over the past three decades, guitarist Jes Psaila will be releasing his solo debut album with a live performance. Psaila first started dabbling with the idea of...
Having worked with countless bands, artists and projects in rock, jazz and other genres over the past three decades, guitarist Jes Psaila will be releasing his solo debut album with a live performance.
Psaila first started dabbling with the idea of composing his own songs back in 2000, following his involvement in writing original music for a Theatre Anon production.
“That experience really left its mark on me, and I began to develop musical ideas that I had into complete tracks,” the guitarist said.
As the number of complete tracks piled up, Psaila started to entertain the thought of recording some of them. In 2011, he recorded his first two tracks, which are featured on this album.
Due to more pressing commitments with jazz trio Cusp, he decided to temporarily put his solo work on the backburner. “Cusp was a very positive experience, but before I knew it, almost three years had passed before I found the time to pick up where I left off, and that’s only because Cusp is currently on a hiatus.”
With a further four tracks recorded, Psaila was getting closer to finalising his debut album.
“It’s an instrumental record, and although I certainly cannot classify it as jazz, there’s a strong element of improvisation throughout the album.” Stylistically, he describes it as a fusion of pop, rock, funk and jazz, with an emphasis on the guitar as the driving force behind the various moods the music projects.
Partially funded by the Malta Arts Fund and with artwork by Jimmy Grima, the self-titled album is being released on local indie label Reciprocal Records.
The CD is part of a project that also promotes the concept of improvisation to young music students via a booklet and linked website. Apart from Psaila, the album also features a number of talented local musicians, among them Alex Debono (drums), Eric Wadge (bass), Mark Attard (piano) and Thomas Cauchi (trumpet).
“I believe music is only as good as the musicians playing it, and I count myself lucky to have such talented musicians on board for this project.”
Jes Psaila will launch his debut CD on Saturday, at the MITP, Valletta.For more information look up the event page on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/jes.psaila