Bret Higgins’ Atlas Revolt is the brainchild of Toronto composer-bassist Bret Higgins, and created as a vehicle for his original instrumental compositions.  Formed in 2013, the group explores genre-defying music that draws inspiration largely from film scores, exotica,  jazz, rock, surf, and elements of Eastern European, African and South American music. Notably gaining the attention of New York saxophonist-composer John Zorn, their first CD was released on his Tzadik Records in 2015 and has been received with glowing reviews.  The group's sophomore record 'Illusion Machine' was released in 2018 on Chant Records.

“Bitches Brew, Pink Floyd and Taraf Da Haidouks put through a blender in Tom Waits’ kitchen”

Illusion Machine

Bret Higgins' Atlas Revolt

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Picking up from where the band left off with their 2015 debut CD on John Zorn's Tzadik Records, Bret Higgins’ Atlas Revolt digs deeper, refining a collaborative sound which draws upon film music, desert blues, psychedelia, Balkan, and Central and South American music. On their sophomore recording Illusion Machine, the usual line-up adds sixth man

Picking up from where the band left off with their 2015 debut CD on John Zorn's Tzadik Records, Bret Higgins’ Atlas Revolt digs deeper, refining a collaborative sound which draws upon film music, desert blues, psychedelia, Balkan, and Central and South American music. On their sophomore recording Illusion Machine, the usual line-up adds sixth man of the year, virtuoso Columbian percussionist Juan Carlos Medrano to the fold, elevating the overall sound into a darker and more orchestral version of itself. The music on Illusion Machine is overflowing with exciting rhythms, searing guitar work and beautiful melodies, performed by an incredible group.

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    Shadowboxing 5:13
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    Hunter 5:19
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    Last Man Standing 4:40
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    Euculipsa 4:06
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    Astral Soul Shake 4:38
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    Sun Gazers 5:57
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    Stero 5:39
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    Illusion Machine 4:19
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    Zebop 5:01
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    Moon Catcher 3:49
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Bret Higgins' Atlas Revolt

Bret Higgins' Atlas Revolt

CD

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Tzadik records 2015 - "A fabulous release by this Canadian instrumental band that blends latin, r&b, soul, film soundtracks, jazz and more into moody and infectious grooves. Bret Higgins is no stranger to Tzadik, performing on the 2014 release Zebrina and performing with Tzadik regulars like Frank London, David Buchbinder, Ben Goldberg and

Tzadik records 2015 - "A fabulous release by this Canadian instrumental band that blends latin, r&b, soul, film soundtracks, jazz and more into moody and infectious grooves. Bret Higgins is no stranger to Tzadik, performing on the 2014 release Zebrina and performing with Tzadik regulars like Frank London, David Buchbinder, Ben Goldberg and many others. A new take on The Meters and Booker T, this is small unit instrumental music that you will return to again and again." - John Zorn

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    Atlas Revolt 4:32
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    El Metate 0:53
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    All About The Starry Dark 4:35
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    Zagazig 4:09
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    Electric Sinner 5:14
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    Sanan 4:04
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    Meat For Dogs 4:05
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    Flashbulb Memories 4:50
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    Vorticism 3:54
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    Jakaranda 3:03
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Press Quotes:

“Led by bassist-composer Bret Higgins, this Toronto quintet has turned in a winningly melodic debut of carbonated chamber jazz. This sensual album, marbled with Latin, soul, gypsy, and Middle Eastern spicing, is one of the essential releases of the year.”  4 1/2 stars - Carlo Wolff / Downbeat Magazine - March 2016

“While Higgins liberally mixes styles and sounds in these original compositions, all of this music manages to speak the same language." "He readily blends Eastern European influences, rock grooves, psychotropic sounds, and klezmer-ish melodies, alternately creating grooving numbers and sweeping, cinematic pieces in the process" - Dan Bilawsky/ All About Jazz

“Bret Higgins is a take-no-prisoners bassist hailing from Toronto. He lays down rock-solid grooves, then sends his bandmates out to do the serious damage.  It wouldn’t be fair to categorize this album as a great “bassist’s” album. It’s simply a great album.” - Frank Alkyer / Downbeat Magazine - Editor’s Pick August 2015

“The music is edgy, occasionally hitting the edge of ecstasy” - David Luhrssen / Shepard Express

“This Canadian bass ace has his fingers in so many pies at once that it probably doesn't phase him to toss off a klezmer/surf/crime jazz track that would have been at home in a movie produced by Golan Globus financed with middle eastern money.” - Midwestern Record

“A fabulous release by this Canadian instrumental band that blends latin, r&b, soul, film soundtracks, jazz and more into moody and infectious grooves. A new take on The Meters and Booker T, this is small unit instrumental music that you will return to again and again.” - John Zorn/Tzadik