harry christelis & pedro velasco
Harry and Pedro formed a guitar duo that explores and challenges the boundaries of improvised music. Theirs is a melting pot of jazz and folk harmony, immersive sonic textures, and calm, introspective moments that are interjected with wild intensity. In a world that rushes to excite and distract, their music focuses on taking time to develop and create space. This often-understated approach puts just as much emphasis on the notes that are not played, as the ones that are.
The partnership was born in 2016, when the two London-based guitarists came together for a concert and discovered a like-minded approach to music. Their musical connection has developed with each meeting since. They share a respect of jazz traditions but also a love of expanding these to incorporate elements from folk and electronic music, as well as ambient styles and free improvisation. Together, they’ve built a unique, intimate setup and found a way of conversing that’s equally unassuming and thought-provoking.
They recorded their first album, ‘Scribbling’, in December 2020. The result is a truly distinct album that challenges the ideas of what a guitar duo should sound like. Some tracks might transport you to a sound world that feels like it belongs in outer space, others as if you’re immersed in the depths of the ocean. It is, however, a beautifully balanced piece of work that keeps its feet firmly rooted in traditions of the instruments and the music they are playing.
‘Scribbling’ was released on 25th March 2022 on Ubuntu records, and is available on CD, vinyl, and all digital platforms. It was met with critical acclaim from publications across the globe.
'Straddles the fence between jazz and electronica in a way that is truly ground-breaking' - Philip Thomas, Fetea Magazine
'Rarely does something with a jazz format have this atmospheric dimension, in dreamlike environments that invite us, surreptitiously, to imagine exotic forests from other worlds' - Rui Eduardo Paes, Rimas E Batitas
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moostak trio
A seamless blend of free improvisation, jazz and folk harmony, and immersive sonic landscapes, guitarist Harry Christelis presents a trio set at exploring the infinite possibilities within the world of instrumental improvised music through his ever expanding body of original music. Completed by Andrea Di Biase on double bass and Dave Storey on drums, the trio have been playing together since 2015, and released their debut album ‘Moostak Trio’ in March 2020. The album was met by critical acclaim from prominent music publications and radio stations.
‘This extremely accomplished debut from guitarist Christelis matches him with two simpatico talents for some meditative introspection..’ - Jazz Views
‘An excellent calling card for a well balanced trio who have already established an excellent rapport and a distinct creative identity.’ - The Jazzmann
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rubber walrus
Rubber Walrus is a trio of three of London's most exciting up and coming players. With Joseph Costi on synths, Yusuf Ahmed on drums, & Harry Christelis on guitar, the group was formed through a mutual love of compositions by The Beatles, and a desire to interpret them in unique way that reflects their love of jazz tradition and free improvisation.
Since then, the group has expanded to explore original compositions also, but still with a keen focus on deconstructing the music. Using fragments of the composed music as vehicles improvisation, the musicians are constantly thrusting themselves into the unknown each time they play together.