Zenna Wandering Monster

• 1 A Beautiful Blur 07:56
• 2 Push It All Away 06:34
• 3 Zenna 07:23
• 4 Okonkole y Trompa 04:53
• 5 What We Talked About 07:31
• 6 Cowboy 03:58
• Total Runtime 38:15

Info for Zenna

Zenna is Wandering Monster’s second full length album and their third release on the Ubuntu label. It features four new original compositions as well as interpretations of pieces by Jaco Pastorius and Randy Newman. Like the group’s previous releases, the record is a blend of infectious, off-kilter grooves, catchy hooks, ferocious soloing, spontaneous collective improvisation and emotive, hypnotic vamps.

The band continues to cultivate a unique sound but also venture into previously unexplored territory, flirting with free improvisation, minimalism and through-composed material. Expect to be taken on an emotional journey through sound-worlds that are intense and raucous, yet sensitive and thoughtful.

Sam Quintana, double bass
Ben Powling, tenor saxophone
Calvin Travers, guitar
Richard Harrold, piano
Tom Higham, drums, percussion

Wandering Monster
Leeds-based group Wandering Monster reaches beyond what may be expected from the tried and tested line-up of the tenor saxophone/guitar quintet. The band’s original compositions, penned by double bassist and leader Sam Quintana, draw from a love of American and European jazz, rock and world music, creating a sound that’s simultaneously raucous and sensitive, intense and intellectual. Wandering Monster is made up of some of the finest musicians operating in the UK today; members of the band have also performed with a host of esteemed artists who include Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, Mark Nightingale, Lianne Carroll, Evelyn Glennie, Ant Law, Jasmine Myra, Melt Yourself Down and Worldservice Project amongst others. ​

Since its inception the band has become an integral part of the thriving Leeds scene, which has produced the likes of Roller Trio, Trio VD, Matthew Bourne and Submotion Orchestra, and with the release of their celebrated debut album (Ubuntu, 2019) Wandering Monster undertook a 14-date UK tour showcasing a dynamic live performance synonymous with the city’s roster of innovative artists. ​

Singles Division and Metropolis (Ubuntu, 2020) show a band continuing to progress and develop. Both compositions display sound-world that is both cinematic and propulsive, securing Wandering Monster as one of the most exciting young groups operating in the UK today. ​

2023 will see the release of Wandering Monster’s second album Zenna which will be launched with a number of UK tour dates later in the year.

This album contains no booklet.