Archie the Goldfish is a project co-led by trumpet player Graeme Flowers and guitarist Chris Bestwick.
As one of the UK’s most in-demand trumpet players, Graeme has performed with jazz stars such as Quincy Jones, Gregory Porter, Manu Katché, Michael Bublé, Kyle Eastwood, Tom Scott, Charlie Hunter and Deodato. On the pop/commercial side he’s worked with Taylor Swift, Cee Lo Green, Tom Jones, Simply Red, Paul Weller, Duran Duran, and many others. He has also performed on, and written music for, three Clint Eastwood movie soundtracks.
After playing on the London jazz scene for many years, getting drunk on JTQ tours with Graeme, backing pop singers, and performing at Womad and similar festivals in the UK and abroad with Algerian, Moroccan and Turkish musicians, Chris has spent the last few years writing for and leading projects in Helsinki, Prishtina and The Hague.
On their new EP, ‘Water & Light’, they are are joined by:
Nadia Basurto - vocals
Kishon Khan - Fender Rhodes
Aidan Thorne - double bass
Opening with a nod to the great Miles Davis electric albums of 50 years ago, the 5-track EP incorporates elements of jazz, drum & bass, funk and hip hop. ‘Water & Light’ is the follow-up to their first release, ‘Hidden Depths’, in December 2020 on Ropeadope, which was picked as one of the top 12 releases of 2020 by music journalist and author Sammy Stein.
‘Water & Light’ was released on 16th July on Funkiwala Records.
contact: band@archiethegoldfish.com
'Basurto's vocals soar and float above variously intricate and propulsive (‘On a Summer\'s Day’) and coolly laidback (‘Setting Out’) rhythm tracks, offering a counterpoint to Flowers's trumpet parts. Sharp arrangements combine with nicely sculpted melodies to create some engaging, dreamily memorable tunes.'
Robert Shore, Jazzwise
'Meet the stunning Archie the Goldfish project and their latest EP. Jazz. The kind we want to hear everywhere. Yes, that’s right. It’s a breath of fresh air straight through our whole body. We can’t get restless listening to these sounds – and this ensemble that unites multiple nationalities, cultures and countries brings just that: a breeze of happiness to our lives.'
Tomás Rogeiro, Where the Music Meets
'Water & Light is a real treat. The music throughout is indicative of the vast and vibrant styles and genres Bestwick & Flowers have celebrated over their lengthy careers and the EP masterfully pulls together the immeasurable wealth of experience accumulated between the two.'
Imran Mirza, Blue-in-Green Radio
'Water & Light is the fresh seriousness needed for this summer. Fresh, thanks to a catchy jazzy grooving funky spirit, even flirting with drum & bass rhythms, just perfect to give extra colors and relief to all our lazy summer days. Serious, thanks to Nadia Basurto's amazing voice, so sincere and warm-hearted, it really gives depth to the grooving rhythms.'
Paul Medrano, Best of Jazz
‘Shimmering summer sounds with a superb groove and classy vibes. Sounds awesome!’
Ant Bird, NuJazzSounds