Monthly Archives: March 2014

3rd April: Barrel & Alex Bonney/Dave Kane

This week we present an evening of improvised music from two ensembles: string trio Barrel and a duo of Alex Bonney and Dave Kane.

Barrel

These three musicians have been performing in various combinations with others on the London improvising scene for several years. As well as the numerous small groups they have participated in, all three are members of the London Improvisers Orchestra. The first performance of the trio, at the 2007 Freedom Of The City festival, was so musically successful that they decided to continue as such, and chose to call the group Barrel as it involved a lot of scraping. Since then, Barrel have performed widely around London, the UK and Europe. Their record ‘Gratuitous Abuse’, released on the Emanem label, was in the Wire’s ‘Critics’ Choice’ list of 2012 albums.

Alison Blunt – violin

Ivor Kallin – violin and viola

Hannah Marshall – cello

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Alex Bonney/Dave Kane

Dave Kane and Alex Bonney’s improvising duo is full of surprises. Traditional roles of trumpet and double bass are exploded and the sonic potential of their instruments is explored. The duo’s action packed and playful range of textures and dynamics combine with a strong melodic sensibility and an uncanny interplay between the two musicians.

“In my opinion Alex and Dave play true music. Played at a very high level, it’s as good as any improvised music played anywhere in the world.”
Paul Dunmall

“Mixing energetic free improv with quirky melodies and lopsided rhythms Kane and Bonney’s interaction was mesmerizing, packed full of innate humour and off-hand virtuosity their dialogue was a joy to behold.”
Jazzwise

kane bonney duo

It promises to be a great night. Doors 8pm, music 8.30pm at Long White Cloud, 151 Hackney Road, E2 8JL. £5 entry. See you there!

27th March: Julie Kjaer/Steve Beresford & Ripsaw Catfish

Another double bill week to round things off for March: this time Ripsaw Catfish are stopping in on their mini-tour of the UK to share the bill with an amazing duo of Julie Kjaer and Steve Beresford.

Jule Kjaer/Steve Beresford

Steve Beresford is internationally renowned as a free improviser on piano and electronics. He plays with and conducts the London Improvisers Orchestra and has worked with hundreds of musicians, including Derek Bailey, Han Bennink, Evan Parker, Otomo Yoshihide and John Zorn. Saxophonist and flautist Julie Kjær’s edgy and thoughtful playing and ‘dark, otherworldly imagery’ (Jazzwise) has become increasingly evident around Europe, inhabiting ground between composition and free improv.

julie

Ripsaw Catfish

Ripsaw Catfish is Anton Hunter (guitar) and Cath Roberts (baritone saxophone). The Manchester and London-based duo started meeting in September 2013 to explore improvised and composed music, and whatever lies between those things. The music employs a collection of pre-composed elements which can then be drawn upon, or not, during the course of an improvisation. Sometimes one of these acts as a starting point that is then deconstructed; other times one or more might emerge from the music, or else they might be omitted in favour of a fully improvised piece..

catfish

Doors 8pm, music starts 8.30pm, £5 entry. Long White Cloud, 151 Hackney Road, E2 8JL. Nearest station: Hoxton. See you there….

 

20th March: Colin Webster & Andrew Lisle

After a few single-band gigs, this week we have a double-header of top improvising musicians. Baritone/tenor monster Colin Webster will share the bill with Shatner’s Bassoon drummer Andrew Lisle. Both will play solo sets, then they’ll play together as a duo.

Colin Webster

Colin Webster is a saxophonist/improvisor from London who has performed with some of the key figures in free jazz and improvised music, including Archie Shepp, Joe Bowie, Steve Noble and Alex Ward. Colin has recorded four albums and toured extensively with poet Anthony Joseph, and also recorded four albums of improvised music with drummer Mark Holub. Colin is also involved in other projects and collaborations with like-minded souls from all over the world.

Colin’s solo work focuses on the extremities of the saxophone sound, often exploring strict sonic palettes. His debut solo album ‘Antennae’ was released on cassette by Gaffer Records in October 2013. The album is a series of close-miked improvisations with an emphasis on minimal saxophone sounds such as breath, resonance, mechanical sounds (key/pad noise), and so on. Colin is currently working on a second solo album exploring the other end of the sonic spectrum, focusing on loudness and abrasiveness.

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Andrew Lisle

Andrew Lisle is a drummer in the early stage of making his mark on the London improv scene. After graduating from Leeds College of Music in 2011 he moved to Lisbon, Portugal where he performed and recorded with local and international improvisers. Since moving to London in September 2013 he has started a number of projects including; duos with Alex Ward and Daniel Thompson, collaborations and live performances with Tom Wheatley, Seymour Wright, Thomas Lumley, Ricardo Tejero and Roberto Sassi. His style blends fast, dry, dynamic playing with dark, cinematic sounds.

lisle

Should be a lovely night! Doors 8pm, music 8.30pm. Long White Cloud, 151 Hackney Road, E2 8JL. £5 entry.

13th March: Vitor Pereira Quintet

This week we’re hosting guitarist Vitor Pereira as part of his Jazz Services UK tour. Vitor and his band have already played in Sheffield and Poole earlier this month, and will be heading off to Cardiff, Brighton and Bristol next.

Vitor Pereira Quintet

Vitor Pereira – Guitar/compositions
Chris Williams – Alto sax
George Crowley – Tenor sax
Andrea Di Biase – Bass
Dave Hamblett – Drums

Vitor Pereira’s quintet was formed in 2009. Initially a quartet, they have been focusing mainly on original music and experimenting with a broad range of aesthetics (as well as band members).  The time has clearly been well spent, culminating in the fully grown and conceptually mature band it is today, with tunes full of weaving, intricate melodies and off-kilter yet catchy rhythms.

The group’s Portugal-born leader studied classical guitar before moving into jazz, and despite its obvious jazz roots Pereira’s music draws on a background of musical influences. Energetic riffs, together with hints of classical and world music, create a unique and dynamic sound capable of captivating even the most reluctant listener.  The release of 2012’s debut album ‘Doors’ (F-IRE Presents) attracted great reviews. With a successful performance history and the talent of prominent and award winning musicians, this quintet is gaining momentum as an extremely promising prospect on the contemporary UK jazz scene.

“Pereira merges technique and creativity to hit the target” – All About Jazz

“An impressive first album from a guitarist already making strides on the London scene” – Bebop Spoken Here

“An intriguing group with a strong line-up and well-delivered compositions” – Jazz Breakfast

Doors 8pm, music starts 8.30pm, £5 entry. Long White Cloud, 151 Hackney Road, E2 8JL.

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