“In WARMI, saxophonist and composer Andrew Baker explores a very wide palette of musical landscapes on a journey where styles are never the point but still function as a springboard for passionate musical statements from all members of the band. His band includes superb musicians from different cultures and generations who collaborate in the ever-growing and ever-surprising jazz scene in Barcelona. Andrew's spirit has an openness and curiosity that has crystallized  in this collection of compositions. Each one of them is a great vehicle for his bandmates and guests to join him in a unique sonic adventure. This music is full of imagination, energy and life!”

Jorge Rossy

“When I first met Andrew it was an online lesson during the 2020 Pandemic, a year before his time in Barcelona. He already had excellent saxophone technique, sound and velocity... I found him receptive to ideas, and already determined to compose and record... He stood out there as a professional, was an egoless team player in combos, with a real interest in others. He liked being individually challenged and did not fear the unknown. This album is the fruit of that labour and experience. I’m glad you can enjoy what I already have.”

Bill McHenry

“This record is a snapshot of my journey as a musician and composer over the last 4 years.  Many compositions stem from my time spent in the urban tropicalism of Barcelona and the musical relationships which ensued. I have had great pleasure sharing this music with musicians who play with deep wisdom, musical mastery and huge ears. An ensemble that is always willing to sail into the unknown within a heartbeat and to dive deep for pearls of beauty.   

When I went about putting together this project I was very fortunate to cross paths with Albert Bover.  His input to this record and on the bandstand have been monumental and it’s not surprising that many of the hippest musicians in Barcelona consider him the natural successor of Tete Montoliu, the legendary Catalonian pianist. Albert and Masa Kamaguchi (whose playing speaks for itself) have a long standing musical relationship. The synergy created with Carlos Falanga on drums make for the finest rhythm section any soloist could wish for. Completing the ensemble my dear friend Felix Rossy brings his unique creative flare and fire with his trumpet.  Hailing from the Canary Islands, Sara Lilu possesses a remarkable voice, is a musician’s singer, a great improviser and composer performing with a creative spark and maturity beyond her years.

‘Warmi’ is born from the concept of duality in the quechua cosmovision, the chacha-warmi (man-woman) creating a principle of duality and complementarity: team work! I hope you can catch the sound of the infinite spiral of light which is the human soul in this offering.”

Andrew Baker