Wang Chung's Jack Hues rejuvenated his musical style by delving back into prog influences from artists like Robert Wyatt, Radiohead, and Talk Talk, aiming to perform the iconic sound night after night, which eventually grew monotonous.
Jack Hues, a renowned Canterbury artist and former vocalist-guitarist of Wang Chung, has released a new album that takes a step into the prog and jazz world. Titled Epigonal Quark, the album was produced by Joel Magill, co-founder of Syd Arthur, and released through his Dawn Chorus label.
The album features six tracks, including covers of songs by Robert Wyatt, Radiohead, Talk Talk, and Soft Machine, as well as an original piece titled Non-Locality In A Sea Of Electrons. The diverse drumming styles of Josh Magill and Mark Holub, Hues' bandmates, are showcased throughout the album, with both drummers receiving solos.
Hues' keyboard player, Dave Schultz, often stretches out solos during performances, reflecting his Herbie Hancock influences. One of the highlights of the album is an extended take on Beck's Nobody's Fault But My Own.
The inspiration for the album's title came from a phrase Hues heard on BBC Radio 3, which refers to a fleeting and flimsy thing. The album serves as a follow-up to Hues' live-in-the-studio EP from 2019, which also featured a cover of Beck's Nobody's Fault But My Own.
During the creation of Epigonal Quartet, Hues was backed by other members of Magill's band and avant-jazzers Led Bib, collectively known as The Quartet. The album was shaped by the intensity of live performance and band chemistry.
Hues' version of To Live And Die In LA by Wang Chung is performed differently from the original, providing an opportunity for audience engagement during the journey. His rendition of Weird Fishes/Arpeggi by Radiohead is a reflection of his affinity for the band's music.
Hues' approach to Soft Machine's Facelift was informed by having sheet music and a live performance sketch. The album's live-driven approach highlights Hues' joy in reimagining music dynamically with his band, bridging genres and eras within the prog-jazz milieu.
Hues' affinity for live music led him to appreciate the experiences from his tours with The Cars and Tina Turner, despite the challenges of large arenas. He finds live music to be exploratory and prefers it to be different each time, contrasting his past experiences in Wang Chung.
Overall, Epigonal Quark is a testament to Hues' dedication to pushing the boundaries of music and his love for the prog and jazz genres. The album is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and jazz, as well as those who appreciate Hues' work with Wang Chung.
- Jack Hues, a prominent Canterbury artist and former guitarist of Wang Chung, has released a prog and jazz-inspired album titled Epigonal Quark.
- The album was produced by Joel Magill, co-founder of Syd Arthur, and released through his Dawn Chorus label.
- The album features six tracks, including covers of songs by Robert Wyatt, Radiohead, Talk Talk, and Soft Machine, as well as an original piece titled Non-Locality In A Sea Of Electrons.
- The diverse drumming styles of Josh Magill and Mark Holub, Hues' bandmates, are showcased throughout the album, with both drummers receiving solos.
- Hues' keyboard player, Dave Schultz, often stretches out solos during performances, reflecting his Herbie Hancock influences.
- One of the highlights of the album is an extended take on Beck's Nobody's Fault But My Own, which was also covered in Hues' live-in-the-studio EP from 2019.
- During the creation of Epigonal Quartet, Hues was backed by other members of Magill's band and avant-jazzers Led Bib, collectively known as The Quartet.
- Hues' rendition of Weird Fishes/Arpeggi by Radiohead is a reflection of his affinity for the band's music, and his approach to Soft Machine's Facelift was informed by having sheet music and a live performance sketch.
- Overall, Epigonal Quark is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and jazz, as well as those who appreciate Hues' work with Wang Chung, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of music and his love for the prog and jazz genres.
