SAUL
SAUL is a creative project between keys player Jack Stephenson-Oliver and producer Barney Whittaker, aka Footshooter. Barney’s style blends broken beats with atmospheric synths, keys and guitars. He adeptly combines programmed hardware with live instrumentation to create an organic, rich sound. His 6-track EP ‘Libations & Movement’ EP. The record release has received support from Bradley Zero, Alexander Nut (Eglo Records), Shy One, Errol (Touching Bass), Jyoty (Rinse FM) and more, as well as gaining multiple plays on BBC Radio London’s BBC Introducing Show by Jess Iszatt.
Jack has made a name for himself as one third of Vels Trio, another group from the coveted Rhythm Section roster. Jack and Vels have already cemented themselves as new faces on the alternative UK jazz scene. The group have gained the support of Worldwide FM and Gilles Peterson, with a stand-out performance on their Brownswood Basement series, also visited by the likes of Roy Ayers and Kokoroko to name just a few.
When paired together their sound is one of playful experimentation, interacting with different influences, styles and genres to create an eclectic style. Both originally meeting in Brighton, they quickly put their musical connection to fruition. These jam sessions created a fusion of future jazz with distinctive Rhodes stabs, rich synths and dub effects.
Both relocated to South-East London in 2017 with a focus on breaking into the underground scene. They brought in friends and past collaborators Brother Portrait and Poppy Ajudha to complete the collective and hone in on their compelling sound. Their debut EP, ‘Murmurations’, was released on Rhythm Section International on 26th September 2019. Receiving support from Gilles Peterson on 6 Music, NTS Radio and the late Virgil Abloh.
Collaboration is a key element to the creative output of SAUL. With a carefully selected line-up of musical accomplices to their name. Between them they have shone a light on vocal and instrumental performances from Natty Wylah, Lex Amor, James Mollison, Allysha Joy and aden. With their second release on Rhythm Section on the way, it’s going to be exciting to see what they will bring to the underground scene once again.