9th September 2014: RELEASE DAY: Andy Milne & Dapp Theory ‘Forward In All Directions’
WWR is proud to announce the worldwide release of Forward in All Directions by Andy Milne & Dapp Theory, produced by Grammy award winning Jimmy Haslip and also a celebration of 15 years together for the band. Click here to visit our store and purchase the physical album (also FLAC and ALAC) if you are from outside the USA, and for all you Americans, please visit our partners on this release Contrology Records for US orders.
Forward In All Directions is the new album from Andy Milne & Dapp Theory and his first for Whirlwind Recordings. Produced by Grammy Award winner Jimmy Haslip and featuring guest performances from Ben Monder, Jean Baylor and Gretchen Parlato, the album is Dapp Theory’s third release and marks the quintet’s 15th anniversary, blending “contemporary funk, groove and hip hop into jazz,” according to LA Weekly.
The title and the music reflect Milne’s diverse artistic vision. Forward In All Directions chronicles the journey Dapp Theory has taken in its 15 years. “It’s a milestone, a celebration, and a reflection of the changing times for artists. My life as an artist, entrepreneur, and educator requires me to move in all directions at all times and I derive joy in meeting this challenge.”
Milne’s compositions mirror this openness and draw upon the considerable strengths of his musicians. His band mates represent a litmus of what’s happening in the world of music today. “I’m blessed with musicians who genuinely inhabit a wide range of musical spaces that span the globe. They share an understanding and sensitivity of musical palettes ranging from Appalachian folk, traditional Armenian, heavy metal, funk, hip-hop, jazz, pop, and classical music.” Milne combined the talents of poet John Moon, saxophonist Aaron Kruziki, bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Kenny Grohowski, helping to re-draw and extend the boundaries of jazz. “It’s a special group to me because everybody understands what I’m trying to do musically and they trust me.” In their 15 years, the band has evolved and built a loyal following of fans who appreciate their indefinable sound, blending influences ranging from Joni Mitchell and KRS One to Thelonious Monk and Van Halen.
Forward In All Directions is the first Dapp Theory recording to feature music that Milne initially composed for other projects and later rearranged for this group. It’s also the first recording to be guided by an outside producer from start to finish. When asked about working with Jimmy Haslip, founding member of The Yellowjackets, Milne said “Jimmy’s grounded and relaxed nature was essential in my completing this recording. His ears, instincts, and resourcefulness were an amazing asset and his unrelenting support has made him an invaluable partner.”
A seminal member of Steve Coleman’s groups in the 1990’s, Milne is considered by his peers as one of the most important and respected voices in jazz today. He is the recipient of numerous awards and commissions, including the prestigious Civitella Fellowship and New Jazz Works from Chamber Music America. Milne has composed and produced seven original film scores for acclaimed actor/director William Shatner. In 2012, Milne was commissioned by The Japan Foundation and New Music USA to create Strings and Serpents, a multi-disciplinary project featuring artists from Japan, France, Canada and the U.S with a premier at Lincoln Center.