Introducing Luke Sellick's Christmas EP

LUKE SELLICK CHRISTMAS EP – AVAILABLE DEC 1st, 2017 from BANDCAMP, iTUNES, and lukesellick.com

As a child growing up in Winnipeg, many of our Christmas traditions were shaped by my English mother, who brought us up with a love for Christmas pudding, Dylan Thomas and classic hymns and carols. For this EP I married my love for Christmas carols with the classic sounds, synths and grooves of the 80s. I took my share of creative liberties with harmonies and rhythms, while aiming to retain the magical feeling of the original melodies.

To bring this musical concept to life I assembled a star cast of New York instrumentalists, including Julius Rodriguez (keyboards), Jimmy Macbride, Curtis Nowosad (drums), Andrew Renfroe (guitar), Jordan Pettay, Matt Marantz (saxophone) and Jesse Fischer (organ/synths). I filled out the rest myself, playing basses, synthesizers and organs. After attempting to lay down vocals myself, I thought better of the idea and reconnected with two wonderful singers from my Winnipeg days, Sheena Rattai (Red Moon Road) and Erin Propp who both add their signature sounds. I think the result is fresh, fun and soulful. I hope you enjoy!

With love,

Luke

From New York-based, Winnipeg-born bassist LUKE SELLICK comes his Christmas EP, a holiday follow-up to his critically-acclaimed debut Alchemist, released earlier this year.

Sellick has crafted a rich sonic palette including saxophones, vocals, guitar, drums, electric bass and a multitude of vintage keyboards and synthesizers reminiscent of classic Gospel and R&B. Likewise, he has chosen to interpret and re-imagine a nostalgic mix of songs from his childhood, including four Christmas hymns (O Come Emanuel, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Good Christian Friends Rejoice), a 20th Century classic (Do You Hear What I Hear?) and the new-year’s anthem, Auld Lang Syne.

The power of a great holiday album is its ability to keep the listener coming back to it year-in and year-out; with his Christmas EP, Luke Sellick has put a refreshing spin on favourite tunes that will do just that.

Bassist-of-choice for top-tier artists Russell Malone, Johnny O’Neal, Jimmy Greene and others, LUKE SELLICK is a compelling newcomer on the jazz scene. Raised in the rich and eclectic musical climate of Winnipeg, Canada, Luke’s musical journey lead him to New York where he attended The Juilliard School and was mentored by legendary bassist Ron Carter. He apprenticed musically with pianist Johnny O’Neal, performing weekly in classic New York clubs Smoke, Smalls and Mezzrow.

"A skilled young bassist and composer, of whom we'll likely hear more."  Roger Farbey - All About Jazz

Musicians:

Luke Sellick: arrangements, basses, keyboards, synthesizers, B3 & pipe organ

Erin Propp: vocal [1]

Sheena Rattai: vocal [3,5]

Julius Rodriguez: keyboards and synthesizers

Jesse Fischer: B3 organ and synthesizers

Matt Marantz: tenor saxophone and EWI

Jordan Pettay: alto saxophone

Curtis Nowosad: drums and percussion

Jimmy Macbride: drums

Andrew Renfroe: guitar

Produced by: Luke Sellick

Recorded at: Electrik Indigo Studios, Brooklyn, NY

Engineered by: Jesse Fischer

Additional engineering: Jordan Jackiew, Larry Roy

Mixed by: Jesse Fischer & Matt Marantz

Mastered by: Matt Marantz

Photography: Todd Sellick

Design: Ben Sellick

© Luke Sellick Music 2017