Winterspring is my debut album featuring original music and arrangements, and it is set to release July 29, 2022 on UK label Ubuntu Music! The funds collected here go to help cover costs we've incurred during recording and production.
Author: Allison Wheeler
Prague, Czechia
All or nothing. Project finished on Jul 28, 2022 at 09:17.
The product of four years of writing and self-examination, Winterspring weaves a narrative of hope inspired by famous storytelling and personal anecdotes. The album tells a classic tale of opposing forces working together towards growth — What was intended solely as an outlet for personal expression evolved into an exploration and understanding of the human condition. Jazz-like in structure, the album weaves tales of love, light and loneliness into a unique blend of styles driven by sweeping vocals and colorful accompaniment. The album is a glimpse into Wheeler’s inner world, brought beautifully to life with the help of her band — Daniel Bulatkin (piano), Max Makagonov (bass), Petr Nohavica (drums) and guests David Dorůžka (guitar) and Luboš Soukop (sax & clarinet). In order to both find peace in the midst of inner struggle and to guide others to do the same, Winterspring is a message of hope in the midst of darkness.
The title track of this album, winterspring, was one of the first songs I've ever written and finished. I came up with the term accidentally while free writing in my college bedroom - a theme/idea whose parallels in my life I've been unpacking since then.
As a band though, Daniel Bulatkin and I met at a farmer's market soon after I moved to Prague in the fall of 2018; We met up to play some tunes a few months later and he brought his trio at the time - Max Makagonov and Petr Nohavica. We played just that once together and decided to put together a small repertoire & book a few concerts, and the rest is history! Haha. Well, it's been a long process of playing and writing and growing. Most (all?) of the other songs you hear on the album were written and arranged during these last 3 or so years living in the Czech Republic.
The band on the record is:
Allison Wheeler: vocals
Daniel Bulatkin: piano & keyboards
Max Makagonov: double bass
Petr Nohavica: drums
and featuring guests David Dorůžka: guitar
and Luboš Soukup: saxophones and clarinet
A young vocalist & songwriter from California, Allison Wheeler has gotten her professional start in central Europe and is a budding talent on the Czech jazz scene. Wheeler is a versatile singer with a love for creative challenge. She was named “Undergraduate Vocal Soloist of the Year” by Down Beat Magazine in 2018 and most recently had the honor of singing with Lizz Wright on the Prague Sounds Festival 2021. Her music and singing style seamlessly cross genre lines, drawing influence from the likes of Regina Spektor, Norma Winstone, Fiona Apple, Aoife O’Donovan, and others. A storyteller at heart, she uses her jazz and visual art backgrounds to construct a world of her own imagination fueled by improvisation, nostalgia, and a love for impressionism.
To get to know the band, please visit my website!
I've designed and created all of the merch you will receive in relation to this project myself! In addition to the music, you'll get another small piece of me and further delve into the world of winterspring.
Our goal with this fundraiser is to cover some of the costs that we've incurred over the recording and production process -- we want to be able to create and share with you the best version & quality of our album possible!
It's been my dream since I was a little girl to write and record and share something meaningful and I'm so happy it's finally happening. I feel I've always had something to say to all of you musically, and hopefully this is just the beginning! Thanks so much for your support.
gratefully yours,
Allison
Hi everyone!! Thank you again for your support!! Kindly be patient as I am sending out orders, I am a bit behind but will send your treasures as soon as I am able! I haven't forgotten (; Can't wait for you to receive them! Love, Allison
MoreThank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting this dream!! You are the reason this is able to go out into the world tomorrow worry free. Thank you for your support and encouragement, sending all of you a big hug! Enjoy the album! I will start sending out packages as soon as I…
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