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Bassist and Composer Wink Winkelmann Debut Release - Be It Known

“Be It Known" marks the long-anticipated debut of bassist and composer Wink Winkelmann—a bold and genre-defying statement from an artist whose musical path has been anything but conventional. After a 15-year hiatus spent studying medicine and practicing dermatologic surgery, the Venice, California–based Winkelmann quietly cultivated his sound as a self-taught composer. His breakthrough moment came with the hauntingly evocative score for the critically-acclaimed film by Duane Hansen Fernandez, “A Place to Fall Down.” Building on that momentum, Winkelmann assembled a powerhouse ensemble of world-class musicians to bring his artistic vision to life. The result is “Be It Known;” a modern spiritual jazz odyssey that draws from sacred tradition while seamlessly weaving together influences of meditation, classical and heavy metal music. The album is not just a testament to transformation, it’s a declaration of creative arrival.

HIGHLIGHTS:

“Cute and Clustered” marks the most sophisticated arrangement of the album. The flute melody begins as an R&B groove and evolves through classical music-like sounds to psychedelic rock with a hair-band guitar solo by Yunus Iyriboz.



The jazz chops of the group begin to shine with “Q-Trip.” What starts as a clear nod to A Tribe Called Quest ultimately alternates between hip-hop and straight-ahead swing. “The abrupt change between genres demonstrates Wink’s immense range of compositional ability, and highlights his belief that all music has room for improvisation, ” says producer Duane Hansen Fernandez.



“The Id and The Eno” features the true mastery of MAE.SUN on soprano saxophone. The delicate intensity of her solo bounces off the powerful drums of Nate Smith supported by ostinatos of organ and bowed upright bass. Throughout, slide guitar exists in counterpoint to the saxophone, but its lines remain broken after a torrent of heavy metal guitar.

MUSICIANS:

Wink Winkelmann - Composer, electric bass, double bass, piano, and percussion

Nate Smith - Grammy-nominated drummer, composer, producer and educator known for his versatile and innovative style. [Dave Holland, Chris Potter, The Fearless Flyers, Brittany Howard]

MAE.SUN - Alternately known as Hailey Niswanger, is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer. Flute, soprano and tenor saxophone [Ohma, Clairo, Esperanza Spaulding, Terri Lynn Carrington]

Rashon ‘Ramu’ Murph - Keyboard [Bootsy Collins, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Ghost-Note, MonoNeon, DeBarge]

Yunus Iyriboz - Electric guitar and oud [Elyanna, Tal Wilkenfeld, Leon Bridges]

TRACK LIST:



Vibe Check 1:31

Nine 4:25

Cute and Clustered 7:21

Q-Trip 4:53

Cross Elevation 4:30

Waltz of the Spirits 1:15

The Id and The Eno 6:35

Breathe 6:25

Intention Span 7:47

Ocean Riyad 1:10

Nino de Abanica 5:22

Midnight Station 1:21

Dark Castle 4:33

Language of Light 2:43

KEY INFO:

Title: Be It Known

Artist: Wink Winkelmann

Recording: Westlake Recording Studios

Release Date: June 28, 2025

Label: Independent

Genres: Alternative jazz, Spiritual jazz

 
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