DR001: Hill Collective + Thimble + Bobby Simmons

DR001: Hill Collective, Thimble, Bobby Simmons. A celebration of Brighton's new independent record shop.

Hill Collective

One of the most heartfelt and soulful Jazz outfits on the UK scene today - Hill Collective have just released four compositions (or rather, explorations) under the title 'Fire in Orbit.' Technically, its an album, and yet each title contains multitudes that the word 'album' doesn't feel quite right. Whether title track 'Fire in Orbit' and its frantic and panoramic improvisations, shoved and tumbled along by a tight and grooving rhythm section; or, 'A House is Home Like Honey' which is better understood as the breeze which floats into your bedroom on a summer's morning. Each song takes you somewhere, and so, live, you will be able to travel to as yet lands unknown whilst your feet remain planted on the floor of the Prince Albert.

Thimble

Thimble have been causing a stir in Brighton thanks to their energetic and magnificent live shows (most notably, their legendary Green Door headline). On record, the band are much like the rivers and tides so often referenced in their lyrics. Like a riverbed, they maintain a solidity, a rhythmic consistency and foundation, over which layers of rich melody flow and weave and shift. Yet, live, the energy is different. People dance, and jump to Thimble's unique performance. As if they were in reality two bands, each one as excellent as the other.

Bobby Simmons

You might know Bobby from Brighton's favourite Wrong Trousers - but, his solo work has a far more pastoral and folkish heart. Gentle, and yet impassioned: Bobby nods to the likes of Dave Evan's, Carole King, Cameron Winter and Elliot Smith. Telling his own story all along. It's beautiful.