Work Money Death

Biography

Work Money Death is a contemporary jazz collective originating from Leeds, UK, known for their deeply spiritual and transcendental approach to improvised music. The group first gained attention as the backing ensemble for saxophonist Tony Burkill’s debut album on ATA Records in 2017, where their synergy and meditative style set them apart within the British jazz scene[1][4][5]. The ensemble features musicians from notable local acts such as The Sorcerers, The Lewis Express, and Nat Birchall’s band, bringing together a wealth of experience and creative energy from the Leeds music community[1].

Their 2021 album, 'The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises,' was conceived and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The project was led by Burkill and bassist Neil Innes, who developed the music through extended improvisational sessions reminiscent of meditation practices. Each member recorded their parts separately, responding to previous performances in a continuous, evolving process. The result is a pair of long-form tracks, 'Dusk' and 'Dawn,' which evoke the spiritual jazz tradition of Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane, blending powerful saxophone improvisations with mesmeric percussion and lush ensemble textures[1][2][5].

Work Money Death’s legacy lies in their commitment to collective improvisation and spiritual exploration, offering listeners a journey through meditative soundscapes and uplifting grooves. Their work has been praised for its emotional depth and ability to bring positivity during challenging times, cementing their reputation as innovators within the UK jazz underground[1].

Fun Facts

• Work Money Death recorded their 2021 album during the COVID-19 lockdown, with each musician performing their part separately in the studio, creating a unique, evolving collective sound[1].
• The group’s name and album titles reflect their philosophical approach to music, exploring themes of creation, uncertainty, and transcendence[1].
• Members of Work Money Death are also active in other Leeds-based jazz projects, including The Sorcerers and The Lewis Express, contributing to the city’s vibrant jazz scene[1][2].
• Their music often features extended improvisational passages inspired by meditation sessions practiced by the core members[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Pharoah Sanders - Stylistic inspiration for spiritual jazz improvisation and meditative soundscapes (The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises) [2020-2021]
• Alice Coltrane - Influence on compositional approach and spiritual jazz elements (The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises) [2020-2021]

Key Collaborators

• Tony Burkill - Band leader and tenor saxophonist; central composer and performer (Work Money Death (2017), The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises (2021)) [2017-present]
• Neil Innes - Bassist and co-composer; key figure in recording and improvisational process (Work Money Death (2017), The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises (2021)) [2017-present]
• Adam Fairhall - Pianist; contributed improvisational solos and ensemble textures (The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises (2021)) [2020-2021]
• Members of The Sorcerers, The Lewis Express, Nat Birchall’s band - Collective ensemble members contributing to the group’s recordings and live performances (The Space In Which The Uncontrollable Unknown Resides, Can Be The Space From Which Creation Arises (2021)) [2020-2021]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. We Are the People (People of the Fast Flowing River)
2. The Fast Flowing River (People of the Fast Flowing River)
3. Headwaters of the Soul (People of the Fast Flowing River)
4. We Are the People - Single Edit (We Are the People (Single Edit))
5. The River Becomes the Stream (People of the Fast Flowing River)
6. At Once Familiar (Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction)
7. Freedom as a Heartfelt Song (Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction)
8. A River Becomes a Stream - Single Edit (A River Becomes a Stream)
9. Song of Healing (Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction)
10. Same as Before (Thought, Action, Reaction, Interaction)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz, #spiritual-jazz