Ted Morcaldi’s ‘Celestial Stranger’ (Album Launch Concert)
 

American Guitarist TED MORCALDI proudly hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, is making a name for himself in the UK music world. He has forged a distinctive musical voice on electric, classical, and twelve-string guitars enhanced with loops and electronics creating otherworldly textures. His new dynamic trio explores compositions inspired by the open forms and sonic architectures of Jon Hassell’s “Fourth World” music contrasted with the foundational element of jazz improvisation and the experimental spirit of Krautrock.

His latest album Celestial Stranger, released 30 May this year on the Clonmell Jazz Social label, has been met with critical acclaim on BBC Radio 3, Radio 6, Worldwide FM and reviewed in MOJO magazine. The 12 tracks take the listener on an odyssey through varying orchestrations of multi-layered guitars, often creating a dialogue amongst acoustic instruments and electronics. Intimate duos with drummer Joshua Blackmore and bassist Joel Humann exemplify the strong musical bond Morcaldi has with each member of the trio. The only non-original composition on the album is David Bowie’s Berlin-era instrumental Art Decade, which features the sonic stamp of Bowie’s Blackstar bassist Tim Lefebvre alongside Morcaldi and Blackmore.

“Rather beautiful I think it is too” - Stuart Maconie BBC Radio 6

"A tight yet versatile trio, making the most of Ted’s intriguing compositions..... with the US guitarist equally adept on electric and acoustic instruments, enhancing the former with loops and electronic effects, often creating multi-layered soundscapes…..” 

- Pete Butchers – Jazz Today

“Morcaldi’s playing brings together a sense of earthiness and grit with a celestial air of exploration—economical in its expression as it is outwardly searching in its disposition”

- EP Prezzano, Love All Day Records

Ted Morcaldi - guitar

Joel Humann - double bass

Joshua Blackmore - drums