Burnt Belief
Burnt Belief is the creative combination of guitarist Jon Durant and Bassist and rhythm programmer Colin Edwin (pictured left in Luton, England). Their music is a unique jazz-rock blend that incorporates ambient elements and deep improvisation. Across their four albums, the pair have been augmented by several guest artists including drummer Vinny Sabatino, percussionists Jerry Leak and Andi Pupato, Violinist Steve Bingham, and trumpeter Aleksei Saks.
A study in universal understanding and global connection, Burnt Belief have always been difficult to categorize, incorporating improvisation around strong thematic compositions, ambient textural atmospherics, subtle electronics and elements of progressive and jazz/rock blended with an intriguing undercurrent drawn from more ethnic traditions. Falling in the cracks of established genres, yet showcasing a remarkable ongoing core musical chemistry and defiantly it’s “own thing”, Burnt Belief is instantly recognizable to those who know.
All About Jazz, on Burnt Belief’s Mutual Isolation, 2021
“Diverse as both musicians are, Burnt Belief's music is something else entirely, drawing from progressive rock, fusion jazz, ambient music and ethnic traditions… the result is a remarkably natural and live sounding album.”
Sea of Tranquility, on Burnt Belief’s Mutual Isolation, 2022
“another fine album, brewing with imagination and creativity… demonstrates the duo’s textural approach as sweeping waves of sound wash over your senses… Durant’s guitar solo has such emotional impact and Edwin’s fluid bass lines are so nuanced and subtle, but no less effective… Highly recommended. ”
Prog Archives, on Burnt Belief’s Emergent, 2016
“a thoroughly engaging piece of genius that channels the great rhythmic spirits in a reverential manner, while still exciting the senses. Jaw-dropping!... music of the highest caliber and pedigree. Three albums in and going strong, totally impeccable by any musical standard! 'Emergent' is a sonic paradise of the uppermost quality.”
Fractal Sextet
Though the group’s formation was spearheaded by guitarist Stephen Thelen, Fractal Sextet is fundamentally made of six equal partners. Their music is mesmerizingly rhythmic yet still full of improvisation and unexpected twists. Their eponymous 2022 album is not to be missed.
On guitar are Jon Durant and Stephen Thelen, Andi Pupato is on percussion, Fabio Anile contributes piano and synth, Yogev Gabay is on drums and Colin Edwin serves as bass guitarist.
Exploring infinite variations on never-ending patterns, Fractal Sextet displays a beguiling and inviting hypnotic landscape, which reveals multiple layers and ever more intricate unfolding connections throughout.
This fall, the group will release their second album, “Sky Full of Hope,” with Rare Noise Records.
A fascinating breakdown of the rhythmic reductions at work in Fractal Sextet’s music
All About Jazz, on Fractal Sextet, 2023
“Jon Durant's guitar is a near-perfect stylistic counter…. It is notable that Durant's nuanced fretless guitar work… shows he is one of the precious few practitioners on the instrument that elevate it beyond its usual presence as a mere novelty.”
Echoes and Dust, on Fractal Sextet, 2023
“a perfect combination like no other… out of this world.”