Monday 11
Mujician (Tippett / Dunmall / Rogers / Levin)
Tony Levin, the great drummer from Birmingham, for whom Tubby Hayes named his ‘Second City Steamer’ tune, will be 70 this year and Birmingham Jazz has set up a six-date UK tour with both Mujician and Aki Takase to mark the occasion. Mujician played their first gig in September 1988 when Tony Levin (drums), Keith Tippett (piano), Paul Dunmall (saxophone) and Paul Rogers (bass). decided to pool their talents. In a line-up that shines the spotlight on the value of spontaneous, free-flowing, interactive improvisation, the four immediately recognised a shared philosophy to music making that embraced truth, spirituality and the energy of instantaneous communication.
Takase / Levin / Edwards
From Japan, pianist Aki Takase shares the artistic concepts of the members of Mujician and is a vastly resourceful player who, based in Berlin, is at the cutting edge of new jazz developments in Europe and the USA. With bassist John Edwards and Tony Levin. Part of a six-date tour organised by Birmingham Jazz to mark Tony Levin’s 70th birthday.
Tuesday 12
Samuel Blaser Quartet
Trombonist and composer Samuel Blaser has earned serious attention and enthusiastic praise over the last few years for his daring virtuosity and engaging improvisations. His new CD, 7th Heaven, just released on the Between the Lines/Double Moon label in Germany, advances his artistry to even greater heights. A prolific talent with a truly collaborative spirit, tonight Blaser brings together Marc Ducret (guitar), Bänz Oester (bass) and Gerald Cleaver (drums) in an exploration of the territory between hard bop and free jazz, all of which confirm that a new trombone star has risen in the realm of improvisation.
Sunday 17
Mopomoso
Mopomoso’s regular monthly concert with an international programme from the finest in free improvisation and an afternoon workshop for all instruments and abilities.
Lawrence Casserley / Jean Michel van Schouwburg
Much of the work of Lawrence Casserley (electronics) has crossed media boundaries and recently he has collaborated with artist Peter Jones on sound and light installations. He is also a member of the Evan Parker electroacoustic ensemble. Here, in the company of regular partner van Schouwburg (vocals), the duo move effortlessly between controlled chaos and a delicately poised interactivity.
Gianni Mimmo
A fount of knowledge for all things saxophonic, Mimmo never lets erudition cloud his music, preferring to let the ideas come to him and responding with a melodic delicacy and musical intelligence. The ensuing journey is always a delight and this is a rare opportunity to hear him play solo in the UK.
Terry Day / Ute Kanngiesser / Hannah Marshall
The incomparable Terry Day (self made instruments, voice and words) makes a welcome return to the club with his current trio, featuring Ute Kanngiesser and Hannah Marshall, two of the finest cello players on the scene today. An expansive, warm hearted and playfully intriguing mixture that blurs the boundaries between the spoken word and music.
Yoko Miura / John Russell
A classical pianist, Miura began playing free improvisation on the Shakuhachi. Since 2002 she has performed as an improvisor in her native Japan and in Europe with a.o Osamu Karuda, Jean Borde, Hans Koch and Yoshihiro Goseki. Gaining inspiration from natural scenery and nature, her music contains elements of peace and tranquility. Here in a debut duo with Mopomoso founder John Russell on acoustic guitar.
COMING SOON TO THE VORTEX
Special gigs later in the year…
Joe McPhee – Wednesday 20 & Thursday 21 October
Ray Anderson, Han Bennink, Frank Mobus, Ernst Glerum & Paul Van Kemenade – Friday 22 & Saturday 23 October
