EMBOLDENED _

“All the compositions are heartfelt and honest, as are the performances. A chronicle of hard-won optimism and hope. An elegant response to troubled times ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Jazz album of the month”

“Banks conveys an authenticity that brings a fresh voice to the world of jazz. An invigorating listening experience with clearly defined energy and character, there is a delight in its originality ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

“Purposeful precision and smart invention . . . tightly written, long unfolding melodic structures weaving the musicians into braided soundscapes . . . deserving of a much wider audience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

“Emboldened is a truly distinctive and personal work that should leave you captivated from start to finish. Featuring lively improvisation and flawless collaboration between each player, the result is an immersive listening experience. Listening to these tunes feels like you’re experiencing the view of a breath-taking natural wonder; it makes you feel smaller as your world expands 9/10”

“An excellent debut recording. Banks has developed a strong individual voice as an intelligent composer and distinctive guitar stylist. He plays with a controlled intensity; fluent, joyous and, at times, stratospheric ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

“Here’s a UK guitarist you might want to give a second and third listen to. Steve Banks is at his most panoramic and soaring with a tone and style caught somewhere between Steve Hackett’s fusion and Pat Metheny’s wondrousness”

“With a distinct and authentically fresh-sounding voice, there is a wonderful synergy between the players. As they gracefully dance through the suite that gives the album its title, the overall highlight is the wonderful communication at play between this sharp British quintet.”

“I have been very fortunate to be asked to review many debut albums but Emboldened really does stand out in terms of composition and musicianship. An excellent album that simply reinforces just how good this ensemble is”

“Emboldened presents a collectively strong, driving performance. Banks’ quintet totally complement his highly lyrical approach”