Fans are saying, “AT LAST!” This is Julian Joseph’s first studio album with his beloved trio of Mark Hodgson and Mark Mondesir on bass and drums since 1996. Over the last 30 years much of Julian’s focus has been on performing new music on the live stage, but now he brings his hallmark sparkle, originality, and the wonderful pulsating swing he is so famous for to this set of original compositions and prized standards from the jazz canon. His Caribbean interpretation of the Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol staple, ‘Caravan’, and his extended, emotive reading of Wayne Shorter’s ‘Footprints’ express both his love for jazz and his desire to always push himself, his band, and the expectations of the listener.

The trio is also joined by the great Irish singer Ken Papenfus, who treats us to his irresistible vocals on ‘Meditation Point’. In this album Julian reminds us of his stature as a melodically gifted pianist of immense power, tenderness and energy. ‘Voyage of the Faithful’ honours both the jazz legacy and Joseph’s ever forward-facing music. Its collection of stunning originals demonstrate just how present and relevant a composer he continues to be. On ‘Voyage of the Faithful’ Julian Joseph shines a light on his own uniqueness and onto his new audiences and the many that have missed him. He’s back!

The last 30 years have been an extraordinary journey of personal and artistic growth, a journey that has seen me expand my compositional universe, deeply embrace the value of education and the joy of teaching, and through broadcasting and performing, celebrate and champion the great artists that make our musical world so beautiful.

‘Voyage of the Faithful’ acknowledges the many excursions, insights and experiences that have challenged and stimulated me over the years, and have allowed me to grow as a man and as a musician, to bring you the colours and visions I now have access to with my musical brothers – Mark Hodgson, the great bass player who I affectionately and respectfully call ‘the Mountain’, and my longest musical collaborator, drummer extraordinaire, Mark Mondesir. We’re so proud and honoured too to welcome guest vocalist Ken Papenfus, who so compellingly illuminates ‘Meditation Point’. Please enjoy this window into our craft’s continuum – ‘Voyage of the Faithful’

This is Julian Joseph’s first studio album with his beloved trio of Mark Hodgson and Mark Mondesir on bass and drums since 1996

Over the past 35 years, Julian has made ground-breaking advances for jazz in the UK. He was the first Black British jazz musician to host a series at London’s Wigmore Hall, and the first to headline a late-night concert at the BBC Proms with his All Star Big Band.
His work has been recognised by many major cultural organisations, including the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, which awarded him a Gold Badge in 2010. In 2019 he was awarded an OBE for his contribution to music.

Credits include appearances on albums by Courtney Pine, Branford Marsalis, Adam F and Working Week.

1. Faith
2. Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me
3. Footprints
4. Nice Work If You Can Get It
5. Ponto De Meditação Meditation Point Ft. Ken Papenfus
6. My Brother
7. In There With You
8. Nature Boy
9. Caravan
10. Loyalty And Insight