The Cinematic Orchestra

Biography

The Cinematic Orchestra is a British nu-jazz and electronic music group formed in 1999 by Jason Swinscoe. The project is signed to the independent record label Ninja Tune. The band's sound blends jazz improvisation with electronic elements, and in a live context, they often improvise alongside a turntablist and electronic soundscapes provided by Swinscoe. In their studio recordings, Swinscoe frequently remixes live source material, creating a seamless fusion of live jazz and electronica.

History

Jason Swinscoe formed his first band, Crabladder, in 1990, which combined jazz with hardcore punk. After the group disbanded, he began DJing at various clubs and pirate radio stations in the UK. The Cinematic Orchestra was officially formed in 1999, with their debut album "Motion" released the same year to critical acclaim. This success led to a performance at the Director's Guild Awards ceremony for Stanley Kubrick. In 2001, the group was commissioned to score the 1929 Soviet silent film "Man with a Movie Camera" for the Porto European City of Culture festival. This project was later released as an album in 2003. Their second studio album, "Every Day," was released in 2002 and featured collaborations with artists like Fontella Bass and Roots Manuva. The album "Ma Fleur" followed in 2007, featuring vocalists Patrick Watson and Lou Rhodes. In 2008, they composed the soundtrack for the Disneynature film "The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos". After a long hiatus, the band released "To Believe" in 2019, which featured collaborations with Moses Sumney, Roots Manuva, and Heidi Vogel.

Musical Style

The Cinematic Orchestra's music is characterized by its fusion of nu-jazz, downtempo, and electronic elements, often with a cinematic quality. The group's creative process often involves Swinscoe providing samples and loops over which live musicians improvise. These improvisations are then edited and remixed by Swinscoe, blurring the line between live performance and studio production. Their sound is also noted for its rich orchestration, often incorporating strings and horns alongside electronic instruments.

Core Members

The lineup of The Cinematic Orchestra has evolved over the years, with Jason Swinscoe as the central figure. Other key members have included Phil France on double bass, Luke Flowers on drums, Tom Chant on saxophone, Nick Ramm on piano, and Stuart McCallum on guitar. Former DJ Food member Patrick "PC" Carpenter has also been a significant contributor on turntables.

Discography

Studio Albums

Motion (1999)

Every Day (2002)

Ma Fleur (2007)

To Believe (2019)

Soundtrack Albums

Man with a Movie Camera (2003)

The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos (2009)