FOR RELEASE MAY 2020 ULTRAFAUX ensemble TANGENT Inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt (1910- 1953), guitarist Michael Joseph Harris is releasing his “Ultrafaux stands out from all of the other Django fourth album of original music. One of the world’s Reinhardt-inspired bands because they perform most prolific composers of Gypsy jazz, the Baltimore original material: strong tunes played by a hot band – bandleader is stretching the boundaries of the genre and here the core trio is augmented by clarinet, violin with his latest endeavor. For this recording, his trio and accordion.” swells in size to become Ultrafaux ensemble, adding – Tom Cole NPR and WPFW violin, clarinet, and accordion to the acoustic guitar- driven sound. "Tangent sees Ultrafaux exploring a more nuanced, contemporary sound, rounded out by a cast of The ensemble moves into uncharted territory, virtuoso players. True to the album's name, songs expanding the range and possibilities of the Gypsy like 'Jaguar' and 'Convergence' often veer into jazz style, and allowing the music to cross boundaries between the genres of folk, unexpected and rich sonic territory. Just when you world, and jazz. The new sound appeals to listeners who enjoy fast picking, solid think you've got this band pegged, they surprise you. melodies, irresistible rhythms, and exciting soloists. This is some of their most adventurous and beguiling With Ultrafaux (and his more traditional group Hot Club of Baltimore), Harris has music yet.” appeared in concert halls, clubs and festivals such as Festival Django Reinhardt in – Sam Sessa WTMD France, Preston Jazz and Improvisation Festival in England, Djangoary Soiree Festival in Virginia, Django by the Sea in Maine, Midwest Gypsy Swing Festival, and Charm City Django Jazz Festival. (He is artistic director and founder of the latter event.) Embracing new audiences with an expanded sound, Ultrafaux was featured at Charm City Bluegrass Festival and Folk Alliance International 2020 conference. The Ultrafaux trio (Harris, guitarist Sami Arefin and bassist Zach Serleth) is joined by violinists Jason Anick (Boston) and Patrick McAvinue (Nashville), clarinetists Connor Stewart (New Orleans) and Giacomo Smith (London), accordionist Dallas Vietty (Philadelphia), and bassist Geoff Saunders (Nashville). The album was recorded at studios in Baltimore and Nashville, mixed by Scott Vestal and mastered by Mat Leffler- Schulman. The debut of Ultrafaux ensemble comes at a challenging time. The band performed its first album release concert in a sold out show at Charm City Django Jazz Festival on February 21, 2020. In March, a robust touring schedule was scrapped as city after city went into quarantine. Stay tuned for online concerts and future live dates! LABEL: Swing Underground Website: ultrafaux.net SUGGESTED TRACKS FEATURED ARTISTS Available at all fine retailers Track 1. Jaguar 4:49 Michael Joseph Harris - lead guitar, all tracks Track 8. Racer X 4:41 Sami Arefin - guitar, all tracks except 8, 9, 10 BOOKING: Evangeline Elston Track 9. Talkie Walkie 3:43 Zach Serleth - bass, all tracks except 8, 9, 10 Evangeline Presents Track 10. Je ne sais pas 4:06 evangelinepresents.com 530-632-3798 ALL TRACKS SPECIAL GUESTS Track 1. Jaguar 4:49 Jason Anick - violin, tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 PUBLICITY: Paula Phillips Track 2. Convergence 6:02 Patrick McAvinue - violin, tracks 8, 9, 10 Jazz Beyond Borders Track 3. Dame Ivre 3:17 Geoff Saunders - bass, tracks 8, 9, 10 jazzbeyondborders.com Track 4. Tangent 5:25 Giacomo Smith - clarinet, tracks 8, 9 [email protected] Track 5. Pseudo Nemesis 4:25 Connor Stewart - clarinet, tracks 6, 11 514-816-8423 Track 6. Pop Pop Blues 4:22 Dallas Vietty - accordion, tracks 2, 3, 7 Track 7. Alcatraz 5:27 Track 8. Racer X 4:41 Track 9. Talkie Walkie 3:43 Track 10. Je ne sais pas 4:06 Track 11. Bayou Blues 4:12