H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Rises for Jazz
Dark and mystical, the nightmarish stories of famed horror author H. P. Lovecraft have been brought to life through Tui
Award-winning drummer/composer Reuben Bradley’s latest jazz album Cthulhu Rising, released on tour this June.
First recorded in New York in 2013 and premiered at the 2014 Wellington Jazz Festival, Bradley presents his haunting
compositions to an Australasian audience for the first time, accompanied by two-time Grammy-nominated musician Taylor
Eigsti (US) and first-class bassist Brett Hirst (NZ/Aus).
Inspired by the rhythm and tone of Lovecraft’s Cthulhu series, Cthuhlu Rising is distinguished by rich melodies and striking angles, with a mix of electronics and improvisations adding an
other-worldliness to the live experience.
Showcasing a unique sound, Bradley’s Cthulhu Rising accesses musical techniques quite different to those demonstrated on his New Zealand Music Award (Tui) nominated album Mantis: The Music of Drew Menzies (2012). “To me Lovecraft’s ability to cascade a reader into unexpected places has distinct parallels in a more modern
form of jazz,” he notes. “I really wanted to explore that with this album.”
Augmenting Bradley’s dark, edgy beat, Taylor Eigsti’s lyrical swagger spotlights a pianist/composer of well-established
ability. Having worked with such musical luminaries as Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton and Esperanza
Spalding, performed in venues as renowned as the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and penned a variety of orchestral
and film compositions, Eigsti’s accomplishments are immense. Matched by the serious musicality of bass player Brett
Hirst there is a confidence within the trio which allows for both consistency and experimentation.
Taking shape in a creative and collaborative fashion, and rehearsed on the road in 2013, Cthulhu Rising’s official album release was put on hold while Bradley welcomed his first child. “I like to think of the album as being
a little like Cthulhu himself,” he says, “lying in wait, ready to creep out and entangle the masses!”
The Cthulhu Rising album release tour is set to hit main centres of New Zealand and Sydney, Australia, from 7-14 June this year. More
information about the album and tour can be found at reubenbradley.com/cthulhurising
ENDS