Fabia Mantwill Orchestra: ‘IN.SIGHT’

GroundUP Music once more pushes exciting music to the fore and into our ears. ‘IN.SIGHT’ from Fabia Mantwill is one of those large ensemble albums that is nevertheless intimate and refreshing.

One of the reasons for loving this album is that it is truly orchestral. The Fabia Mantwill Orchestra consists of 32 musicians, with six soloists who take us through every genre from contemporary classical and big band to funk, rock and an overall sense of the cinematic.

Founded in 2012 by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Michael League, GroundUP Music was created as a supportive platform for Snarky Puppy and its members. Originally launched to release the group’s sixth album, GroundUP, the label quickly expanded,  fostering solo careers for artists like Justin Stanton, Mark Lettieri, Bill Laurance, and Cory Henry, and gaining wider recognition after  Snarky Puppy’s 2014 GRAMMY® win.

Which is where this gets really interesting, because all the compositions on IN.SIGHT are composed by sax player, vocalist and producer Mantwill working alongside League himself and celebrated Greek composer Magdalini Giannikou. Together, the three produce a collection of tunes that showcase this exceptional ensemble and provides each of the soloists the space to improvise.

When the trio composed, it was with each of the soloists in mind. And composed all these tracks in just 72 hours.

Roosevelt Collier’s guitar on Whirl the Wheel sparkles and radiates a rock sensibility. Although Fairy Glen begins with an introduction from the sumptuous and soaring string section, and a groove by the wider ensemble, the guitar of Kurt Rosenwinkel rises from the ensemble.

Throughout the album, there is Mantwill’s sax and vocals, as well as her voice in composition and arrangements. She says: “I quickly realized that the only way to make this happen was to let go of control, trust the process, and allow the music to guide me. Once I did that, everything began to unfold naturally. For me, music is about connection – about getting in resonance with each other and spreading positivity.”