Ping Machine: UBIK

Bastien Ballaz – trombone; Stephan Caracci – marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel & other percussion; Guillaume Christophel – baritone saxophone & bass clarinet; Jean-Michel Couchet – alto & soprano saxophones; Andrew Crocker – trumpet, bugle; Fabien Debellefontaine – alto saxophone, clarinet & flute; Florent Dupuit – tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute & piccolo; Quentin Ghomari – trumpet & bugle; Didier Havet – bass trombone & tuba; Rafaël Koerner – drums & percussion; Paul Lay – piano, synthesizers; Frédéric Maurin – electric guitar, Max 7, composition & direction; Fabien Norbert – trumpet, piccolo trumpet & bugle; Raphaël Schwab – double bass; Julien Soro – tenor saxophone & clarinet

After three albums highly esteemed by jazz experts, Ping Machine still hasn't run out of ideas. The band returns to the Bauer Studios Ludwigsburg to record not one but two new CDs.

If UBIK is to be considered the centerpiece of the new repertoire, it cannot exist without its counterpart, EASY LISTENING. UBIK is a long labyrinthine and fascinating suite, blending contemporary and electronic elements into the band's typical sound. In contrast, EASY LISTENING comprises shorter compositions, allowing room for lyrical passages and strong, brilliant melodies.

Agitation and contemplation. Two possible paths to immerse oneself in the world of Frédéric Maurin: UBIK and EASY LISTENING. Once again, Frédéric Maurin asserts himself with his unique compositional style on this fourth and fifth album, commissioned by the French state. The orchestral work becomes a grand structure that generates a special desire to share feelings at its core. The power of this collective adventure, experienced by the 15 musicians, captivates and leaves no one indifferent.

More information at www.ping-machine.com

Press:

"What is certain is that Ping Machine is now one of the most prolific and generous - musically speaking - large ensembles not only in France but probably on the entire planet."

Notes de Jazz 06/16 (Michel Arcens)

"This orchestra has it all."

Jazz Podium 06/16 (Jörg Konrad)

"If you only want to buy one CD this month - here's everything you need."

Jazz thing 06/16 (Hans-Jürgen Schaal)

"Here, strong mood changes take place in a short time, contrasts evolve into similarities and vice versa, there are harsh provocations and tender harmonies. Nothing is excluded in this band."

Jazz Podium 06/16 (Jörg Konrad)

"Big crush for these two albums by the orchestra led by guitarist Fred Maurin."

Culture Jazz 05/16

"The umpteenth proof that exciting formations like Ping Machine can be counted on the fingers today."

DJAM 05/16 (Pierre Tenne)

"Fred Maurin reminds us that music is not only made to make hearts beat or to move feet. This art is greater than ourselves and ignites admiration."

Jazz Magazine (Thierry Quénum)

"Music of today (and why not also of tomorrow...), marked by the freedom of language and by the preference for boundary-crossing."

DNJ (Xavier Prévost)

"One of the most exciting large ensembles in France."

Jazz News (Louis Victor)

"A resounding success. A sheer miracle."

Jazz à Paris (Guy Sitruck)

"I like musicians who have artistic ambition. I've never been disappointed by Ping Machine."

Jazz Magazine (Ludivic Florin)

"One of the most interesting musics currently played in the jazz field."

Jazz Magazine (Laurent Cugny)

"Stylistically, Ping Machine has long surpassed the sum of its influences, bringing together modern and contemporary music as well as jazz into a special musical fluid in which the 15-piece ensemble moves like a school of fish in water."

Jazzthetik 03/16 (Thomas Kölsch)

"Astonishingly subtle, beautifully and profoundly deep, a labyrinth of music."

Bayerischer Rundfunk 04/16 (Markus Mayer)

"All the pieces seamlessly blend into each other, nothing feels fragmented or filler. Over 100 minutes of witty entertainment that listeners will enjoy for a long time."

Stereo 08/16 (Karl Lippegaus)