Tenderlonious has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and uninhibited artists in music today, blending genres and multi-instrumentation with style and ease. Whether it be jazz fusion with his band Ruby Rushton, Hindustani classical with Pakistani quartet Jaubi or deep house, electro funk and ambient electronica in his solo studio productions, he has accumulated a back catalogue of releases and collaborations that unveil a musician who is continuously striving to evolve and push the boundaries of sound. 

His new album ‘Still Flute’ continues with that notion, combining his signature live flute and synth work over deep house, p-funk, spiritual ragas and ambient sound designs. There are four deep house jams, including ‘Song for My Mother’ and title track ‘Still Flute’, all embellished with energetic flute solos. ‘Isaac’s Theme’ and ‘Neptune’s Mood’ add the downbeat p-funk mood, while ‘Seti Khola’ is a deeply spiritual Hindustani raga. ‘Journey to Thra’ and ‘End Transmission’ add the ambient palette to another phenomenal record from Tenderlonious and the 22a camp.

Tenderlonious - Song For My Mother

<< PRE-ORDER via the 22a Bandcamp >>
https://tenderlonious.bandcamp.com/album/you-know-i-care

Tenderlonious enters fresh album territory with his latest offering entitled, ‘You Know I Care’. Having released several solo projects, numerous collaborations and a series of LP’s, EP’s and singles with his band Ruby Rushton that centred on original compositions, he wanted to take a moment to focus his energy on exploring the classic jazz material that has inspired him over the years. 

Players like Jackie McLean, Duke Pearson, Clifford Jordan and Wayne Shorter have all played significant roles in Tenderlonious’ life and provide a constant source of inspiration for his development as a musician and composer. This latest release is a tribute to those musicians and for this reason is a landmark album; ensuring that a new generation of jazz listeners are reminded of some of the most significant contributors, and in some cases unsung heroes, to this ever-evolving genre. 

The first track, ‘On The Nile’, sets the tone for the LP. It’s a bold opener and immediately catches the listener’s ear with its distinctly Middle Eastern theme. The quartet maintains a full, grandiose sound from start to finish, with gutsy solos from alto saxophone and piano, that build to a climatic solo from the band’s powerhouse drummer, Tim Carnegie. 

‘Maimoun’ has a smoother, west coast feel to it - cool and collected. A simple, yet evocative melody weaves on top of a steady 4/4 groove, whilst virtuosic bassist Pete Martin underpins the whole arrangement with his incomparable natural groove. 

‘Infant Eyes’ is performed as a flute and piano duet, paying tribute to the late Wayne Shorter. The performance is free and moving, allowing this beautiful composition to lay bare its intricacies and vulnerability. 

‘Poor Eric’ is a haunting ballad dedicated to the memory of the late Eric Dolphy. A brooding piano and melancholic saxophone melody set the mood as brushed drums and a deep bass join softly to create a dream-like dirge, leading into a raw and emotive solo from Tenderlonious. 

‘John Coltrane’ is the perfect homage to the master saxophonist. Originally recorded by Clifford Jordan, and covered many times since, this version holds true to its original conception and intended purpose – a tribute to one of the greatest saxophonists that ever lived! 

‘You Know I Care’ is one of the most iconic jazz ballads of the 1960’s. Tenderlonious’ husky alto flute perfectly encapsulates the mood, whilst bass and drums hold steady leading to a delicate and playful solo from talented pianist Hamish Balfour. 

This long player clearly follows in the footsteps of Tenderlonious’ spiritual jazz hero’s, paying particular attention to the original performers of these six masterpieces - Jackie McLean, Clifford Jordan, Wayne Shorter and Duke Pearson. This is also the first time that Tenderlonious has recorded on alto saxophone, a more recent love affair for this talented multi-instrumentalist, and the first of many I hope. 

There is something for everyone on this album, from brooding ballads to full-steam ahead modal delights – and an opportunity to enjoy a fresh take on these timeless compositions.

Tenderlonious; alto saxophone & flutes 
Hamish Balfour; piano 
Pete Martin; bass 
Tim Carnegie; drums 

Recorded at Crescent Studios, 10th March 2023 

Recording Engineer; Damon Sawyer 

Mastered at Transition Studios 

Artwork by Matt Carter

John Coltrane

Poor Eric

Infant Eyes

Maimoun

On The Nile

Tenderlonious - "Bobs Riddim" // Radio 1 Benji B 2016 - 01 - 14 (Radio Rip)

Taken from the forthcoming album 8R1CK C17Y

PRE-ORDER = https://22amusic.bandcamp.com/album/8r1ck-c17y

22a017 has arrived and it sees two of London’s most celebrated underground producers enter into album territory.

Comprised of ten cuts ‘Brick City’ takes the listener on a journey through Afro-House, Funk, Rare Groove, Boogie and Broken Beat to name a few. Tunes like ‘Brick City (4am)’ and ‘Butterfly’ groove effortlessly whilst synth leads interject over tasty chords, all the while being supported by solid bass lines – these two will undoubtedly set a strong pace on the dancefloor. ‘Funky Booda’ does exactly what it says on the tin, it’s a straight Funk classic! Its infectious groove and soaring leads are sure to have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet. ‘Be Ur Friend’ is a fiery Afro-House number - reminiscent of one of Tenderlonious's early releases ‘Bob’s Riddim.’ With a slow build, the listener is teased until finally the drums drop and all hell breaks loose – another dancefloor winner! There’s also more hip-hop inspired selections like ‘Brick City (4pm)’ or ‘Pepe’s Walk,’ which bump hard and have strong traces of Sa-Ra and J Dilla influence.

The record comes complete with quirky skits like ‘Bootsy’ and ‘Ferndale Gateaux,’ which blend in and out between the other tunes allowing the record to flow effortlessly from beginning to end.

There is something for everyone on this album. It’s the kind of record you can play at home from start to finish or take out to the club as an essential dancefloor filler. It pays homage to the 22a ethos, it has mass appeal and yet still maintains a high level of quality!

In short this album solidifies the duos ability to make great music with their own signature sound, unique to their world and lifestyle.

2017 is all about 8R1CK C17Y!

Words by Rodriguez Guido

8R1CK C17Y

Tenderlonious + Dennis Ayler - Pepe's Walk

** PRE-ORDER **
https://tenderlonious.bandcamp.com/album/the-shakedown-featuring-the-22archestra

Yussef’s Groove kicks off with driving drums, and each of the 22archestra enter steadily, fully utilising their virtuosic power, switching between low-slung bass, chic open piano solos and hazy electric piano.

The Shakedown

Yussef's Groove

YUSSEF’S GROOVE

New single taken from the forthcoming Ruby Rushton album "Ironside". Released 5th April
Pre-order - https://rubyrushton.bandcamp.com/

Triceratops / The Caller

Multi-instrumentalist, producer, DJ, and 22a label founder and boss, Tenderlonious returns with a batch of new and old studio productions for 22a. "Hard Rain" is a deep slice of futuristic, funked-out house music that extracts maximum flavour from just a few ingredients. This album marks a return to the studio for Tenderlonious and a sign of things to come from 22a.

Pre-order the album here to get the immediate download of "Hard Rain" - https://tenderlonious.bandcamp.com/album/hard-rain

Tenderlonious - Hard Rain

Pre Order - https://rubyrushton.bandcamp.com/album/sun-khosi

Ruby Rushton are back, unveiling a fresh limited 7" single for the South
London based 22a imprint. The Tenderlonious led quartet continue to hit new heights, recalling the spirit of their debut 2015 album ‘Two For Joy’, with two brand new, afro-tinged, jazz fusion gems.

‘Sun Khosi’ is a tribute to Tender’s father who spent many years in Nepal working as a Gurkha Officer. The name is taken from one of the most famous rivers in Nepal, which runs through the Himalayas. It translates to “River of Gold” and is an appropriate title for this uplifting, feel-good summertime tune. It’s also Tender’s first composition and recording to feature him playing the alto flute, which has a deeper, more mellow tone compared to the usual concert flute that he plays.

The b-side ‘Chrysalis’ composed by keys and synth bass maestro Aidan Shepherd, is inspired by the playing of pianist and British jazz legend John Taylor, who had something of an obsession with music in 3/4 time. ‘Chrysalis’ breaks into two distinct parts; kicking off with with Ruby Ruston’s signature tight, snappy melodies and driving groove, then reversing back into the bands carefree ‘Two for Joy’ sound of 2015, when the bass is given a rare chance to come to the forefront by joining the flute and trumpet melody. Herbie Hancock’s classic track ‘Butterfly’ has become a staple in the bands set, so the snappy melodies and driving groove of ‘Chrysalis’ represent the restless energy of the butterfly about to emerge from it's chrysalis.

These two new track’s are taken from the bands forthcoming album, their fifth in 5 years, due for release in November on 22a. Stay tuned x

Ruby Rushton - Sun Khosi

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