I’m not one to rant on these platforms. Truth be told, I’m not a big fan of social media or the internet in general. I’d rather hold it down on stage or in the studio and let the music do the talking.
That said, for anyone reading this, I want you to know I’m incredibly proud of this project and the blood, sweat and tears it took to get here.
I’m also saddened to share that Mike Thorne, our recording and mixing engineer at Rimshot Studios, passed away two weeks ago. We had just finished mixing the album. I know he gave everything he had to it before losing his battle with leukaemia.
Honestly, the album should have been out already. But Mike’s health had been up and down over the past few months, and the process took longer than we’d hoped. Still, it was only right that Mike mix this album. He built Rimshot from the ground up; both structurally and sonically. It was his sound. He had that old-school approach: real gear, less time in the box, and a patient, collaborative mindset.
That’s why this album feels like such an achievement - for us and for him.
I’d already decided to call it Legacy! because I feel like Ruby Rushton have earned that title. And now, that legacy belongs to Mike too.
We put everything into this from the writing and rehearsals to the recording, mixing, mastering, and all the admin in the background. When I say 22a is independent, I mean fully independent. I oversee every part of the release; administratively and financially. No grants, no funding, no label services doing the dirty work. Just us. And we’ve been hustling this way for over 10 years.
It’s been 10 years since Two for Joy, our first album, dropped. I still think it’s one of the best records to come out of the so-called “UK jazz resurgence,” even if the media didn’t give us our props.
But this new one - Legacy! - is even better. And if I’m honest, I think it’s the best thing to come out of the UK jazz scene in the last ten years.
So pre-order this shit, have a listen, and tell me if you think different - link is in the bio.
Shout out to Oli, Jon, Jason & Matt.
Rest in power, Mike.
Love to all the supporters over the years… I appreciate you.
Peace x
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@getmattcarter 
