Music From Memory is delighted to present ‘Elevations’, a new album from Manchester based artist Tom Burford, aka Contours.

Drawing heavily on his background as a drummer and percussionist, ‘Elevations’ began as an exploration of the Balafon, a Malian tuned percussion instrument, before organically growing into its final form; a delicate suite of compositions centered around rhythmical interactions of percussion, synthesizer and strings.

Recorded during the pandemic and the period following, the album reflects a desire to lose oneself in the expanse of nature - the title ‘Elevations’ being a direct nod to the mountainous area of Cumbria where Tom grew up. The album also represents the joy of creating with friends; it features performances from several of his musical contemporaries, many of which were recorded at his home in Manchester. Slowly taking shape, the final result is a record that seamlessly blends electronic and acoustic, operating at the intersection of Minimalism, Jazz, Fourth World and Contemporary Classical music. More

Contours, a UK based DJ and producer, known for bubbling dance rhythms and undertone melodies focuses on a wide range of organic percussion on this 4 track EP.
A1 opens up with its most prominent instrument, the balafon, creating a hypnotic vibe in which keys and broken beat intertwine creating a swinging rhythm. The second track, Batterie, slows down the groove and allows plenty of space for the keys to lay over the depth of bass-heavy drum pattern.
The flip side of the record pitches up the tempo and sees layers of Latin infused rhythms mix with London scene defining broken beat riffs, synths and melodies. The record finishes up with a remix from one of the London underground scene’s key contemporary figures, K15, adding a darker tone to the flow of the track while upping the dancefloor energy of the groove. More

After the success of the Henry Wu & Chaos in the CBD releases, Rhythm Section International present their 9th offering, from Mancunian newcomer 'Contours’. ‘Technician' is a percussion led rhythmic exploration, spanning 6 tracks which take in down-tempo grooves to up-beat workouts, all held together by a smooth, lucid sonic palette and arresting, unorthodox live percussive elements. Already an accomplished drummer and percussionist, Contours manages to combine driving rhythm, lush textures and hypnotic melodies to create a sound that feels very much at home as part of the Rhythm Section imprint, while simultaneously pushing it forward into new, undiscovered territory. One for the Heads, one for the Dancers, one for the warm up, one for the afterparty.



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Mancunian pianist and producer Matt Wilde prepares to release his debut album 'Hello World' via Band on the Wall Recordings. With a slew of hotly tipped projects released over the past two years via Root Records & Inner Ocean Records- Matt has been steadily gaining support from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM & many more. With his name firmly cemented as one to watch in the Jazz / Beats landscape, 'Hello World' promises to be his most expansive body of work to date. 'Hello World' is an audio catalogue of personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, shared with honesty and curiosity for the human condition. Matt crafts emotive and uplifting compositions denoting a tender illustration of the human experience, finding and celebrating the simple and beautiful moments of life. More

Band on the Wall Recordings unveil its fourth release from The Singles Club, their 7" series supporting a selection of Manchester most exciting rising artists. Following support from the likes of Jamie Cullum (BBCR2), Jazz FM & more, Manchester keyboardist, composer and producer Matt Wilde steps up with his debut physical release, having spent much of his early years laying the foundations of his musical development through workshops at Band on the Wall. A truly feel-good slice of musical goodness centred around Matt's lyrical, virtuosic and jazz-leaning keys, 'Every Story / Pivot' delivers wondrous blends of hip-hop and jazz elements. More

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Mali Hayes has been simmering to the surface for a while now. Emerging from a Manchester jazz community that's enjoying its own renaissance away from the much-reported on London scene, the vocalist and songwriter's bittersweet neo-soul sound is trans-Atlantic – think initial progenitors such as Erkyah Badu, D'Angelo and Jill Scott – but is rooted in Manchester's mixed communities and the different walks of life she encounters. Forgive You / Come Closer – owes itself to Gilles Peterson and Brownswood Music's Future Bubblers programme, when Hayes met producers Cult Architect and Medikul while part of the mentorship scheme. Airplay from Gemma Bradley, Victoria Jane & Mo Ayoub on Radio 1, Jamz Supernova & Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6, Victoria Jane on BBC Introducing, Jamz Supernova on Selector Radio. Features in Clash Magazines 'Next Wave' playlist and Spotify's 'Rhythm & Groove by DJ Taro' playlist. The two tracks come out as part of a new series of 7" releases from Manchester institution Band on the Wall and their new label Band on the Wall Recordings. Based out of the iconic music venue, charity and cultural hub, the label builds on a successful compilation released to raise funds during the Covid-19 pandemic More