Song of the Day: Nick Walters - Gulf Stream

Trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Nick Walters shares his new single Gulf Stream, from his new EP Marine Moods.

Nick Walters returns to his D.O.T. Records imprint with his majestic new album, Marine Moods. The album revives his sextet, who last appeared together on his 2019 album Active Imagination. This stellar collection of musicians picks things up where they left off, delivering an exquisite suite of contemporary jazz-fusion, gleaning the very best elements from afro, modal, and spiritual jazz

Gulf Stream kicks off in Walters’ familiar amiable style. A joyful, summery horn line leads the way, succeeded by a glorious trumpet solo from the man himself. Tenderlonious takes over with a thrilling soprano solo, matched by some masterful drum work from Laurie Lowe. That melodious lead line comes back, gradually bringing the sundown on another memorable track for the album. Gulf Stream is named after the ocean current that flows across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm water and weather to the shores of Western Europe

Listen to Nick Walters new song Gulf Stream, from his new EP Marine Moods:

Marine Moods is a collection of compositions inspired by the sea. The compositions are designed to allow space and creative freedom for all the musicians to express themselves and interact with one another. Much like the oceans that have inspired the album, the pieces take the listener through a range of moods - from the energetic optimism of Gulf Stream, through the darker hypnotic groove of Hydrothermal, to the stillness and peacefulness of the raga-inspired Journey for Joan. Recorded in one summer's day in a roasting hot North London studio, Marine Moods is a document of six musicians and friends coming together to improvise, interact, and collaborate to create something new

The album artwork features another stunning original oil painting by Lorna Robertson, a still life of a trumpet, plant, and goldfish bowl in her signature semi-abstract style. Inspired by the iconic Henri Matisse painting 'Goldfish' from 1912, the painting is about the experience of inspiration during creativity. In the imagined scene, Nick is in a blue apartment daydreaming while looking at goldfish swimming around, as he contemplates writing new music inspired by the sea.

Watch the below video for Nick Walters new song Gulf Stream, from his new EP Marine Moods: