New release alert: Ruben Fox – Grappling Grace (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 27th Nov 26
Banger Factory Records proudly announces the album release of Grappling Grace (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by our esteemed Ruben Fox, with single Love Is Free ft. Mussing Brian-Edwards, which will be released 30th Oct 26
Album pre-save: https://bangerfactoryrecords.link/Ruben-Fox-Grappling-Grace-Soundtrack
“You don’t try to understand jazz, you have to feel it,” says Iranian-British former Olympic wrestling coach and jazz dancer Saeed Esmaeli in a revealing moment in the remarkable 20-minute documentary, Grappling Grace. The film follows Saeed who turns a church into a healing dojo, using his unique form of dance-wrestling therapy for the beautiful misfits of society. Directed by Alexander Kiehl and Misha Novak, the multi-award-winning film is beautifully shot, sensitive and heartwarming, its emotional resonance underpinned by an original soundtrack from saxophonist and composer Ruben Fox, a leading voice in the UK & US jazz scene.
Grappling Grace – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a five-track collection of outstanding contemporary jazz released on Banger Factory Records on 27 November. Recorded live to film in a single day, the soundtrack brings together seven exciting artists from the UK jazz scene, all part of the Banger Factory family.
Fox’s score vividly reflects the kind, nurturing ethos of Saeed and the spirit of the community he fosters. “I was moved watching Grappling Grace”, says Fox – “by Saeed’s humanity, his empathy, his gentle relationship with his mother, the inherited tradition of wrestling in his family, and a story underscored with movement. I wanted the music to reflect that”
“Jazz just made complete sense for the film” says director Misha Novak. “There’s something in the way Saeed moves, thinks and connects with people that echoes the spirit of jazz – rhythmic, but unpredictable and constantly changing. His approach to therapy is much the same. He responds to the person in front of him and what they need in that moment. It’s almost like improvisation.”
Ahead of the release, Fox shares Love Is Free as a single on 30 October. Featuring Mussinghi Brian Edwards on second tenor, the track is a succinct, forward-moving jazz piece built around an expressive exchange between the two horns. Their distinct voices meet in a warm, fluid interplay that gives the music its momentum and gives rise to a gentle, swaying melody that captures the spontaneity and soul of the wider score. Also included on the album is Love Is Free (Alt Take), a second take of the song that is more spacious, spiritual and meditative. Pre-save link – https://bangerfactoryrecords.link/RubenFox-LoveIsFree-ft-Mussinghi-B-Edwards
The swinging title track, Grappling Grace mirrors a round of wrestling, twisting and turning before resolving, while Holdin’ On captures two wrestlers locked together, breathing heavily, negotiating each other’s weight, their struggle represented by two tenor saxophones. Greggy’s Groove accompanies scenes with the charming young Greggy, reflecting his playful nature.
“Why did we choose Ruben?” offers Novak, “simply put, it had to be him. He’s a deeply intuitive artist, and you can hear that in his playing — every note is intentional, yet completely free and instinctive. For a film like Grappling Grace, where so much is about feeling, movement and responding in the moment, that’s exactly what the music needed.”
“What I love about Banger Factory is that they understand jazz isn’t something you polish until all the fingerprints disappear. It has to misbehave a little” says Novak. “This album was born from improvisation, friendship and trust, so honestly, it couldn’t have landed anywhere else.”
Ruben Fox – Tenor Saxophone
Mussinghi Brian Edwards – Tenor Saxophone
Artie Zaitz – Guitar & Hammond B3
David Mrakpor – Vibraphone
Kezia Abuoma – Piano
Lorenzo Morabito – Bass
Jack Thomas – Drums
Love Is Free is released as a digi-only single on 30 October. Grappling Grace – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is released on Banger Factory Records (Cat No: BF016) available on vinyl and through all usual digital platforms.
Grappling Grace will be released worldwide on VICE Sports in early 2027.
AWARDS FOR GRAPPLING GRACE
Winner Committee Choice Award – Bali International Film Festival 2026 – Oscar qualifying
Winner Best Documentary – Sadler’s Wells Dance Digital 2026
Winner – Paris Bridge of Peace Festival
Winner Best Documentary – Kiez Berlin FF
Winner Best Documentary – London Film Club
Winner Best Health & Medicine Film – Sicilian Film Awards
Official Selection – Brooklyn Film Festival 2026
Official Selection – LightReel Film Festival 2026
Official Selection – Barcelona Indie Film Festival 2026
Official Selection – MYTH: Social Impact Film AwardOfficial Selection – Bristol Documentary Festival Official Selection – San Jose International Short Film Festival – Oscar Qualifying