Getting Lost in Greg Foat’s New Cosmic Balearic Jazz Synth Trio Album ‘Live at Can Rudayla, Ibiza’

British pianist/keyboardist Greg Foat has been releasing records at a steady clip since 2011, when he and his Greg Foat Group connected with UK label Jazzman Records for a series of reputation-making ambient jazz albums. An artist who luxuriates in electronic textures, psychedelic synth washes and melodies that beckon you in, he’s an In Sheep’s Clothing go-to whose records are essential stock items in our shops.

Last year he teamed with Gaussian Curve cofounder Gigi Masin for the velveteen record Dolphin, and his series of records before that with Warren Hampshire of the Bees (A Band of Bees in the US) for the label Athens of the North are heavenly electroacoustic ambient jazz recordings.

A few weeks ago Foat released a live album that underscores his love of balearic and all it represents, recorded (where else?) in Ibiza. Called Greg Foat Live at Can Rudayla, Ibiza, it was recorded during an afternoon set that was timed to reflect the changing light and environment as the day moved toward twilight. The trio:

Greg Foat – Synthesisers (Moog Matriarch, Kawai K1R)
Sasha Galperin – Electric Guitar/Bass
Ash Robinson – Drum Machine (TR9)

On Monday at In Sheep’s Clothing NYC, our Monday Dedicated Listening Session will feature album sides by eight contemporary artists including Foat. For the session, we’ll be playing his meditative instrumental album with Art Themen, Off-Piste. As described in release notes:

After Art had played on a few sessions for Greg both were keen to record an LP together. Plans were hatched during lockdown and everyone headed to Edinburgh as soon as allowed, to an unassuming metal door that leads to a renowned studio with a large live room with a stunning Neve desk. Chamber Studio has a long Edinburgh heritage, known for recordings from Mogwai to everyone’s favourite The Vaselines.

Greg & Art wanted to do something experimental so they brought in an interesting and challenging mix of new musicians along with a large pile of synthesizers and effects pedals. The result is a fantastic melting pot of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic ideas and motifs …

Details:

ISC NYC Monday Dedicated Listening Session: Now Sound

Nala Sinephro Space 1.8 (use for photo)
Ulla – Limitless Frame
Ana Roxanne – Because of a Flower
Khotin – Beautiful You
Greg Foat & Art Themen – Off Piste
G.S. Schray – The Changing Account
Aiden Ayers Venus – Copper Rose
5 a m – Pre Zz

Where: In Sheep’s Clothing NYC, 350 Hudson St. (enter on King)
When: Monday, April 1, 2-5 p.m.