‘The Songbird’ Takes Flight: Mussinghi Brian Edwards Unveils Long-Awaited Debut Album on Banger Factory Records

“We’re thrilled to release the highly anticipated debut album from UK jazz veteran Mussinghi Brian Edwards. “This has to be the most personal release on Banger Factory Records for me thus far as Mussinghi, affectionately known as ‘The Songbird’ or ‘Papa B’ is one of my biggest musical mentors and inspirations.” – Mark Kavuma

From his early inspirations in ska to becoming an influential, beloved, and original presence in UK jazz, his existence for many has been deeply felt for over 40 years of music.

Beloved by peers and audiences alike, Mussinghi has performed with a diverse array of influential ensembles, including The Jazz Warriors, Jazz Jamaica, Aswad, Orphy Robinson, Rico Rodriguez, African Connection, Ernest Ranglin, Ruff Cut Band, Misty in Roots, Finlay Quayle, Julian Joseph Big Band, Wayne Batchelor Quartet, Salif Keita and Les Ambassadeurs, Alan Weekes Quintet, Mark Kavuma and The Banger Factory.   

His upcoming album, recorded at Theo Erskine’s studio features all original compositions and an incredible line up featuring in demand New York drummer Jason Brown, Mussinghi’s brother Trevor Edwards (trombone), Mark Kavuma (trumpet), Artie Zaitz (Hammond C3 Organ), and Marcina Arnold (vocals).

“I am very honoured and happy to have been given this opportunity to record and release some of my compositions on Banger Factory Records. Big love to all the cats and kittens who have contributed to the recording and production” – Mussinghi 

Shane Forbes: 

“Mussinghi Brian Edwards is a very special person on our music scene here in the UK.

He’s a man who’s given a lot of himself to music and he’s equally, given a lot to the people he’s encountered along the way on his journey. This giving quality is what we are all privileged to hear whenever he plays his instrument, writes beautiful music and also, in the countless anecdotes he has (forever full of love and wit) of life experiences to become the phenomenal musician and human he is today. I’ve always seen an affinity between Mussinghi and an ancient African griot. Mussinghi is an inspiration to all generations and he continues to be present for us all which is so important.“

Moses Boyd:

“Mussinghi is truly a treasure to our music scene and culture here in London. His youthful energy paired with his sage-like knowledge of music that spans many genres has allowed him to be a great conduit of connecting scenes and generations. I owe so much to him and the many stages he’s offered us all over the years. The environments he’s curated allowed me to hone my skills, expand my repertoire and make long lasting musical connections I cherish to this day. Alongside this I’ve always admired the way in which  he truly improvises in the moment responding to even the most unexpected stimuli. Naturally I’m overjoyed his debut album is here. A beautiful document of one of our great and beloved musicians“