Belonging is the debut album from drummer and composer Miles Pillinger, bringing together original jazz compositions inspired by the people, places and musical traditions that have shaped his life. Recorded with Olivia Cuttill (trumpet), Tom Harris (piano), Benjy Sandler (tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, flute) and Josh Vadiveloo (double bass), with guest appearances from Thandanani Gumede (vocals), Emma Marsh (percussion) and Helen Pillinger (tenor saxophone), the album reflects Brazilian and South African musical influences within a modern jazz setting.
The title track introduces the album’s central theme, taking inspiration from Pharoah Sanders, Joyce Moreno and Abel Selaocoe. Featuring guest vocalist Thandanani Gumede, it expresses the album’s message of community and hope. Inspired by Pillinger’s time in Brazil, ‘Olinda Meu Amor’ celebrates the music, dance and culture of Olinda and Recife through the frevo rhythms of Pernambuco, while ‘Mysterious Meat’ offers a light-hearted account of travelling as a vegetarian in Brazil.
Family is another recurring theme throughout the album. ‘Beryl’, dedicated to Pillinger’s grandmother, features a guest appearance by his mother, Helen Pillinger, on tenor saxophone, reflecting his family’s musical heritage. ‘Elvin’s Beat’ pays tribute to drummer Elvin Jones, one of Pillinger’s greatest musical influences, while ‘Momentary Peace’ explores the brief sense of fulfilment that follows hard work and achievement.
The album concludes with the companion pieces ‘The Other Side’ and ‘The Other Other Side’, written during a challenging period in Pillinger’s life. Together they reflect on uncertainty, resilience and personal growth, bringing the album to a thoughtful conclusion. “My whole life I’ve often felt like an outsider,” says Pillinger. “Rather than focusing on that, I wanted to celebrate what makes each of us different and the people and experiences that make us who we are. This album is about belonging – not fitting in but finding joy in what makes you uniquely yourself.”
This is our Chosen One.