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Orlando le Fleming
Among the most proficient and accomplished bassists in the field of contemporary jazz, Orlando le Fleming's virtuoso technique, boundless creativity and powerful beat are those of a musician who has found himself, humbly, occupying a space in the uppermost stratum of American improvised music.
Orlando's facility as an improviser and capacity as a team player were first honed not on the bandstand, nor in the practice room, but on the cricket pitch. Originally from the UK, Orlando seemed destined for an athletic career, and was briefly a professional cricketer, until he was granted a place at London’s Royal Academy of music, and his lifelong passion for music won out.
Le Fleming's 2003 move to New York City was a timely one. Soon after arriving stateside, Orlando joined Jane Monheit's band, consequently sharing the bass duties on her 2004 release Taking a Chance on Love with Ron Carter and Christian McBride; the year following, he recorded with jazz legend Jimmy Cobb on his Marsalis Music Honors release. In the years since, leaders as diverse as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Charlap, Billy Cobham, Ari Hoenig, Seamus Blake, Jeff “Tain” Watts and David Sanchez have relied on Le Fleming's firm beat and eloquent counterpoint to propel their rhythm sections forward. While he succeeds as a sideman, it is as a leader that Orlando le Fleming truly shines. From Brooklyn With Love is a living document of Orlando's original compositions, as performed by his 2010 quartet. Recorded in concert at storied Park Slope hangout Freddy's, it features saxophonist Will Vinson, guitarist Lage Lund, and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Riding the high acclaim of this initial release, Lund, Vinson, and Le Fleming would go on to form the drum-less OWL Trio, whose eponymous 2013 debut was hailed by critics and listeners alike. Downbeat declared “Everything about this album, which should contend for debut of the year honors, is a resounding success. The music swings effortlessly, every utterance is gorgeous and the recording is intimate and beautiful."
More recently, Orlando has become recognized as a keen doubler: 2016 brought a wide array of opportunities as an electric bassist, fromaccompanying Tony-winning vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. to navigating the shifting metrics of Wayne Krantz's legendary 55 Bar residency. His latest endeavor, Romantic Funk, presents a pastiche of classic fusion sounds and ideas, updated by Le Fleming's signature palette of polyrhythm and abstract exploration. 2020 saw the release of Romantic Funk’s second album - The Unfamiliar, and also a new OWL Trio record featuring grammy winning vocalist, Kurt Elling.
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Continue ReadingOrlando le Fleming - From Brooklyn with Love (19/8)
Source:
Master of a Small House
Bassist Orlando Le Fleming doesn't score many points for creativity when it comes to the title of this live disc. Fortunately, what's absent in left-field thinking is made up for through audible work ethic and dedication to craft. Culled from two dates at Freddy's Backroom in the titular borough, the disc's six cuts find the bassist's quartet ranging by turns leisurely and aggressively through a songbook of conventionally-structured originals outfitted with generous improvisational space. Le Fleming seems to ...
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Bassist/Composer Orlando le Fleming Releases New CD "From Brooklyn with Love" on 19/8 Records.
Source:
Two for the Show Media
Orlando Le Fleming draws from his extensive experience as a sideman and steps forth with some music from his own pen. “From Brooklyn with Love" is Orlando's debut release. Recorded live by Jimmy Katz in the intimate setting of Freddy's Bar in Brooklyn, it features Le Fleming on bass, Antonio Sanchez on Drums, Will Vinson on alto saxophone, and Lage Lund on guitar. Each of Orlando's compositions utilizes the bass as a tool to push each musician into unfamiliar territory. ...
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Bassist Orlando le Fleming to Record Live Album with Antonio Sanchez, Will Vinson and Lage Lund
Source:
Michael Ricci
Orlando le Fleming will be recording a live album on November 29th and 30th at Freddy's in Brooklyn. His band features Antonio Sanchez, Will Vinson and Lage Lund. They will play two sets starting at 8:30 p m.
About Orlando le Fleming Orlando le Fleming was born in Birmingham, England on July 7 1976. Both of his parents are professional musicians; his mother a cellist and his father a composer. His first ambition was to become a professional cricketer, an ...
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"Orlando is easily one of the most skilled and thoughtful musicians that I have worked with." - Jeff "Tain" Watts "Orlando has great ears, is a master of phrasing and note choice and knows exactly how to complement his musical surroundings; he's a pleasure to play with every time." - Ari Hoenig “Orlando is a brilliant musician and one of my most favorite bassists. He has so many dynamic and musical qualities, his sound is big and supportive, his lines are deep architecture,his solos are dances in shadows and light, his energy is warm, engaging and playful, and his technical skill is on the highest level.” - Kurt Rosenwinkel "Orlando le Fleming, a deep toned walker with an impeccable sense of time."- Jazz Times "Me Le Fleming served as the band's grounding force"- New York Times "Le Fleming's material has a reflective, contemplative quality...whatever the tempo, thoughtful introspection is the general rule." - All About Jazz "The six track offerings clearly shout Le Fleming is a brilliant artist"- Birmingham Times "Le Fleming delivers some stunning pizzicato on the stirring ballad "Inevitably"- Jazz Times "Every inch of this recording speaks eloquently for the art of the rhythm section.....
Primary Instrument
Bass
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
$100 per hour $80 per hour for Skype
Morten Haxholm
bassPhotos
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