The !K7 collective have just relaunched Ever Records and are pleased to announce the first signing is Kansas Smitty’s, a sextet born in their own atmospheric basement bar in East London that boasts some of the best jazz performances in the capital as well as classic cocktails, led by American composer and arranger Giacomo Smith on alto sax and clarinet, and feature some of the most talented musicians around: Pete Horsfall on trumpet, Alec Harper on tenor sax,

Dave Archer on guitar, Ferg Ireland on bass, Joe Webb on piano and Will Cleasby rounding

out the rhythm section on drums. The band are sharing their new single "Riders" online now. 

Kansas Smitty’s, born in an atmospheric basement bar in East London that boasts some of the best jazz performances in the capital, as well as classic cocktails, all this speaks to our ideas of what jazz should be. It’s not a static concept, but a moving, breathing, living state of mind.

The Smitty’s have never stopped developing their sound, steeped as much in early Kansas City Swing as in modern-day Spiritual Jazz. Yet what remains constant is their absolute non-flinching dedication to quality music and the life that emanates from their each and every tone. We’re very proud to have found them across international borders, and are very much looking forward to working with them to release their new album in 2020 on Ever Records. 

The concept of a jazz band that owns its own bar is unprecedented, almost as unprecedented as a band who premieres new music at each show. Their venue has supported hundreds of bands since it opened its doors, providing a stage for them to showcase their own music and reach new audiences. 

“Riders’ is a soundtrack for long midnight journeys,” says Giacomo Smith, composer and clarinettist on the band’s new single. “Night's fallen and the old-world mysticism of Europe is in your mind's eye. I started the song while on the road and finished when I joined guitarist Dave Archer at Smitty's bar in London. It's a cinematic track and the flagship tune

of a new sound.”
 
Kansas Smitty’s will be performing at Alexandra Palace on 23 November as part of London Jazz Fest presented by Ronnie Scott’s – the legendary jazz venue where the band have played sold-out shows. Buy your tickets here.

On 19 December the Kansas Smitty Big Four (a smaller iteration of the Kansas Smitty’s) will join Guy Barker at the Royal Albert Hall. 
 
Their new album will appear in Spring 2020 on the relaunched label Ever Records. 

"Over recent years, we have enjoyed working with !K7's various label partners on many different new incarnations of jazz,” says Horst Weidenmüller, CEO of !K7. “It is one of the most exciting genres in terms of musical openness and has undefined possibilities beyond genres which has always been

a hallmark of !K7's approach to music.  With the relaunch of Ever Records we have an imprint to bring together all of our activities from new artist signings to label services and artist management.” 

Ever Records will be a joint venture with Steve “Abbo“ Abbott, manager of acts working

in the jazz sphere including Zara McFarlane, Jules Buckley and Cassie Kinoshi (Seed Ensemble). 

The label will be driven by Siofra McComb who moves from Head of Marketing at !K7 to the Head of A&R for Ever Records.

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LIVE DATES

 

23 November – Ronnie Scott’s Presents …Kansas Smitty’s House Band

Alexandra Palace (London, UK) ticket link
23 November – Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show

Ronnie Scott’s (London, UK) info here
19 December – Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas feat. Kansas Smitty Big Four

Royal Albert Hall (London, UK) ticket link

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