Mike Field's third album, Attic Jump, already nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award (TIMA), is a real departure from his earlier works Ashes and Rush Mode and moves in a very bold and thrilling new direction, with high-energy groove and danceable swing. The title track jump-starts your listening engine for the ride you’re about to take. With the introduction of some hot guitar licks via Craig Stull into Field’s work, the songs are filled with New Orleans bounce, Brian Setzer-styled rockabilly and Santana-like guitar solos, plus Count Basie-esque, high, tinkling trills on the piano by Mark Camilleri, as in the jumpin’ jive tune “One Time in Tibet.”
 
As if that isn’t enough, Field interjects and seamlessly weaves even more jazz strands into the mix, where Django Reinhardt gypsy guitar meets Dixieland clarinet meets bebop brass (including William Carn on trombone) on songs like “The Last Trip Home.”
 
Field’s writing continues to be heavily influenced by his travelling experiences, as evidenced by the aforementioned titles, as well as with “Train Station Frustration” – where Field’s love for Latin jazz grooves like the rhumba shines through, with layers of Santana-styled guitar, Charlie Palmieri staccato piano and awesome wailing trumpet throughout – and “High Altitude,” a sunny pop Andrews Sisters type of melody from the ‘40s.
 
More travelling encounters have spawned songs such as “Autopilot” – Field’s nod to “Hit the Road Jack,” with the four-note descending background lick that’s finger-snappin’ good, allowing for the players to stretch a bit more in the solos – and the incredible “Dance of the Biometrics,” which was inspired by customs officials constantly asking for more biometric data every time you cross the border (fingerprints, retinal scans, voice recognition, portraits, etc.). The latter tune has a more Eastern European flavor, with a klezmer/polka rhythm (led by groove masters Steve Heathcote on drums and Scott Alexander on bass), that evokes a silent movie soundtrack for a Charlie Chaplin or Keystone Cops chase sequence. Saxophonist Vern Dorge (whose tone and dexterity is impeccable throughout the album) wails over choppy, hysterical piano in this Jewish-wedding romp.
 
Amongst all of the upbeat, toe-tapping fun is the lone, slow melody “Sing to the Evening,” a lullabye that features soulful, passionate vocals by jazz songstress Sophia Perlman, who also appeared on Field’s last album.
 
Attic Jump is full of jumpin’ jive, and combines many other classic jazz elements with a modern spin that perfectly showcases Field’s deftly honed trumpeting prowess, as well as the masterful musicianship of some of the country’s finest session musicians.

Melodic Storm (Preview)

Born and raised in Canada, jazz trumpeter and composer Mike Field is known for his bright, upbeat and energetic music. His newest album, Attic Jump (Oct 2015), reached the top of the Canadian jazz charts and was nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award. His previous album, Rush Mode, won five Aurora Awards, two Independent Music Video Awards (IMVAs) and was nominated for two Independent Music Awards (IMAs). He performs his compositions with local musicians at jazz festivals, societies and clubs in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, North America and Antarctica. Notable recent concerts include the Nelson Jazz Festival in New Zealand, the Grampians Jazz Festival in Australia, the Newmarket and Niagara-on-the-Lake Jazz Festivals in Canada, The Lighthouse Cafe in Los Angeles, SCAT Jazz Club in Madeira and Gregory's Jazz Club in Rome.

Mike writes his music either when he's traveling or when he's ensconced in Toronto’s urban lifestyle. His melodies are dynamic and exciting and since learning languages and traveling to all corners of the world has always been a part of Mike’s life, the titles of his songs often reflect movement and cultures – such as Five Days in Hermosa, High Altitude or the Latin-flavoured tune, Train Station Frustration. 

Mike began playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and studied privately with classical performers in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In 2001, he entered the Masters of Jazz Performance program at New York University and began composing upon returning to Toronto in 2003. By 2007, he was performing with several local jazz, reggae, funk and experimental bands, finally forming his own jazz quintet in 2009. He released his debut solo album, Ashes, in 2011, Rush Mode and two professional music videos two years later, and is now touring to promote his Attic Jump album in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Europe.

“Attic Jump lives up to its name, boldly swingin’ from start to finish” 
~ Howard Druckman, SOCAN Words & Music

Melodic Storm (Preview)

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