Rees, Finn: Feel The Sun

Finn Rees is back on Mr Bongo with a brand-new EP Feel The Sun

Two years since the release of his highly acclaimed debut album Dawn Is A Melody, Finn serves up a vibrant, groove- driven celebration of jazz across three dynamic tracks, topped off with a Close Counters dancefloor remix. The four compositions are an ode to our innate ability to channel positive energy from the great force of life through the circular motion of the seasons.

A celebrated jazz musician, composer, producer and keyboardist, Finn Rees is one of the cream of the crop when it comes to Naarm / Melbourne's vibrant DIY music scene. With a reputation for his masterfully expressive keys playing and genre- blending approach, he has been touring far and wide both under his solo project and as one half of dance- focussed duo Close Counters. Not stopping there, he is a go- to keys player for many of his contemporaries. Following the release of his collaborative two-tracker with SHOLTO last year, Finn returns to Mr Bongo with this captivating new solo EP.

Feel The Sun begins its cycle with 'Another Spring'. A Brazilian-inspired, uplifting jazz fusion dancer encapsulating riding the wave of the sun returning, the rush of seasons and remembering to make the moment while you have it. It's something Finn has been lucky enough to witness across the globe, but as he mentions, "I also reflected on 'spring' as a symbol of the inner creative life force available to us in any moment. Each creative idea feels like a fresh opening of light, a new bud opening up". The track starts with echoes of Cesar Camargo Mariano before dropping into a sweeping, orchestrated dancer. "The odd 7/4 time jam (inspired by the great Brazilian group Zimbo Trio) keeps you on your toes moving between a punchy horn motif and the rich string ensemble that lifts you up and carries you".

Next the title track opens out as a 9-minute jazz dance odyssey. "I've always wanted to create a tune that brings orchestrated elements and lush horns onto the dancefloor. A track that takes you on a real journey throughout, almost like Harry Thumann or David Matthews Big Band. The mood is again about nourishing the good moments while you can. I wrote it after most of the world was able to move freely again in 2022, 'Feel the sun as it comes around, for it cannot stay too long'", Finn says.

Moving forward, 'Torn' leans into the realm of jazzy hip hop, featuring a formidable groove held down by Lucky Pereira on drums and Junior Terry on upright bass as well as a blistering flute solo by Erica Tucceri. "This one is a bit of a nod to Tribe Called Quest and Bobbi Humphrey who were some of my favourite early introductions to jazz and groove", Finn states. "The melody (layered with flute, tenor sax and moog synth) plays around with the main motif then gradually crescendos, moving through different keys until it reaches a climax before back crashing down".

Closing out the EP, Finn joins with his Close Counters partner Allan McConnell to serve up a clubbier take on 'Feel The Sun'. The resulting remix is a cosmic- leaning, synth heavy interpretation, full of celestial nods and bubbling energy.

Two years since the release of his highly acclaimed debut album Dawn Is A Melody, Finn serves up a vibrant, groove-driven celebration of jazz.
The EP takes in jazz fusion, jazz dance and hip- hop leaning jazz grooves, complete with a Close Counters dancefloor remix and features some of Naarm/Melbourne's finest musicians.