This week we’re very happy to host the London date on Manchester-based drummer Johnny Hunter’s UK tour with his quartet.

With a  background of both the avant-garde and more mainstream jazz, Johnny has performed with Mick Beck, Nat Birchall, Jamil Sheriff, Corey Mwamba, Steve Beresford, Adam Fairhall and Steve Berry to name a few. As well as leading his quartet, Johnny plays with a multitude of other bands including Marley Chingus, Engine Room Favourites, the Blind Monk Trio, the Dub Jazz Soundsystem and Skamel.  He runs the jazz jam night at Matt & Phred’s jazz club, the monthly ‘Brilliant Corners Jazz Club‘ in Sheffield, and is also involved in the Manchester free improv night ‘The Noise Upstairs‘.

Playing Johnny’s original tunes, the quartet playing for us this week formed to explore the freedoms and challenges presented by the absence of a harmony instrument. This year they were one of the bands who appeared at the Jazz On 3 ‘BBC Introducing’ gig at Manchester Jazz Festival, and their first record ‘Approprations’ is out on the excellent Efpi Records.

Ben Watte tenor sax

Graham South trumpet

Stewart Wilson double bass

Johnny Hunter drums

‘Appropriatons’ sleeve artwork by Angela Guyton.

Come and check out this excellent touring band!