Ola Onabulé & Hazelrigg Brothers
It’s Never Over
Ola Onabule & Hazelrigg Brothers
Release Date: 14 November, 2025
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Bringing together British-Nigerian vocalist and composer Ola Onabulé with Philadelphia’s Hazelrigg Brothers and Austrian drummer Thomas Käfel, this release distills Onabulé’s acclaimed repertoire to its fully acoustic core. Recorded live in Bremen’s iconic Sendesaal, the project pursues fidelity and immediacy, employing hi-resolution and immersive audio formats, capturing the ensemble in real time. The result foregrounds interplay and musical presence, placing Onabulé’s striking vocal range and incisive songwriting in sharp focus.
Across seven reimagined Onabulé originals and a striking interpretation of Prince’s “Condition of the Heart,” the quartet’s approach is both spontaneous and collaborative. The arrangements emerged organically in-session, often largely improvised, revealing a dynamic conversation between Onabulé’s narrative lyricism, the Hazelrigg Brothers’ chamber-jazz sensibility, and Käfel’s inventive drumming. Absent technical artifice, the music’s intimacy and detail reward repeated, deep listening—inviting discovery with every return.
Pre-Release Album Stream & Track Downloads
View The Promo Video
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Album and Release Details
Track Listing:
1. Patience Endures – 5:28
2. Alive Tonight – 5:33
3. The Girl That She Was – 4:57
4. The Voodoo – 4:53
5. Condition Of The Heart – 6:29
6. Dark Matter – 4:08
7. It’s The Peace That Deafens – 5:52
8. It’s Never Over – 6:13
All compositions by Ola Onabulé except
“Condition Of The Heart” composed by Prince.
Line-Up:
Ola Onabulé: Vocals
George Hazelrigg: Piano
Geoff Hazelrigg: Bass
Thomas Käfel: Drums
Release Schedule:
Full album “It’s Never Over”: November 14, 2025
Prior to the album release singles will be released alongside an official videos. Full videos will be available, establishing this project as a release in both audio and video formats.
Format:
CD, DSD Download, Dolby Atmos, Streaming
Catalogue Number: ACD-OL-152-2
EAN: 8717775552215
Label: Aliud Records
About The Artists
Ola Onabule
Ola Onabule is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer known for his powerful vocal range and emotive storytelling. Born in London and raised partly in Nigeria, he blends jazz, soul, and world music influences into a distinctive style marked by emotional intensity and sophisticated theatricality. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Onabule has performed at prestigious international jazz festivals and concert halls, collaborating with renowned big bands and orchestras including the Grammy-winning WDR Big Band and the SWR Big Band.
Recognized for his soulful baritone voice and commanding stage presence, Ola’s music often explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the human condition with honesty and lyrical depth. His independent approach to songwriting, production, and performance has earned him acclaim as a consummate artist who bridges cultural and musical boundaries with integrity and passion.
Onabule’s extensive international touring and recording have made him a respected figure in contemporary jazz and soul, admired for both his vocal virtuosity and his commitment to crafting music that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
The Hazelrigg Brothers:
Both George and Geoff Hazelrigg are accomplished musicians and co-founders of the Hazelrigg Brothers, a piano trio based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The group features George on piano, Geoff on bass, and John O’Reilly Jr. on drums. Both brothers come from a background steeped in classical training, which informs their intricate arrangements and detailed musicianship. Their music blends jazz, rock, and classical elements through inventive arrangements and live acoustic interplay, emphasizing authenticity in both performance and recording.
They have released critically praised albums including “Songs We Like” and “Synchronicity,” the latter a highly original reinterpretation of The Police’s classic album. Recorded live in one room using minimalist techniques, the album is noted for its crisp, spontaneous feel and the trio’s exceptional musicianship. Reviewers highlight tracks such as “Synchronicity I” and “Every Breath You Take” for their fresh, dynamic interpretations, describing the album as both a respectful homage and a compelling new experience.
In addition to their musical careers, George and Geoff operate Hazelrigg Industries, a company specializing in professional audio recording equipment, which enhances the high sound quality of their productions.
Their collaboration with vocalist Ola Onabule began with an earlier EP, which served as a prelude to their current album. The Hazelrigg Brothers have been described as delivering “a creative blend of chamber jazz with contemporary influences, marked by exceptional precision and heartfelt performance,” a testament to their skill and dedication to their craft.