Additional information/sources for Lophae – Vicentina
“Vicentina” is the second track from Lophae (pronounced “Lo-Fi”), a newly formed psychedelic jazz quartet led by guitarist and composer Greg Sanders. The group brings together some of Sanders’ favorite musicians to interpret his distinctive and compelling compositions.
This track is a bittersweet samba inspired by Brazilian jazz legends such as Edu Lobo, Moacir Santos, and Joyce Morenco. Its lyrical and direct melodic statement flows over Sanders’ João Gilberto-influenced guitar voicings and intricate pedal loops, creating a lush, immersive soundscape.
Drummer Ben Brown anchors the track with a masterful command of texture and energy, offering subtle shifts in orchestration to support the ensemble. Bassist Tom Herbert delivers the opening melodic line and first solo with his trademark rich, rounded tone before descending into lower registers to ground the composition with rhythmic precision and relaxed momentum.
Tenor saxophonist Sam Rapley contributes a brooding melodicism, weaving intuitive melodic pathways through the shifting key centers. His expressive playing keeps the track both singable and engaging while navigating its complex harmonic turns.
The band’s collective artistry results in a sound that feels both familiar and entirely fresh. Influences from the London alternative jazz and world music scenes—where all four members are active—shine through. Echoes of their projects, including Waaju, Teotima, Juanita Euka, and Polar Bear, blend seamlessly into this unique creation.
Greg Sanders shares his inspiration:
“I love Brazilian music so much—it’s such a rich, deep, and sophisticated musical culture. Brazilian jazz elegantly incorporates rhythm, harmony, melody, and improvisation at the highest level, creating a sound that’s both instinctive and profound. With ‘Vicentina,’ I aimed to capture the vibe of classics like Moacir Santos’ *Maestro* and Edu Lobo’s *Camaleão. I wanted something that feels natural yet possesses depth and richness.”
The song “Lophae – Vicentina” is released by Greg Sanders
Song Sources for “Lophae – Vicentina”:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3kghcBPa5HFq07hDppzBki
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vicentina-feat-greg-sanders-tom-herbert-ben-brown-sam/1777042508?i=1777042789
