From London’s Vortex Jazz Club:
Thur 10 | 8.30pm
Ma
Ma are one of the UK’s most experimental acts at the moment. Combining jazz, dub, warped VHS soundtrack-esque backdrops and fearless improvisation, the band deliver performances that have been described by Jazzwise as ‘Mesmerising’. Formed by Tom Challenger (saxophone, keyboards and compositions), and featuring for this gig Matt Calvert (electronics, synths) and Dave Smith (drums, sabar), the band has worked in a variety of formations that has produced two albums – Jyketie (2008) and their latest (and critically acclaimed) – The Last (2011).
Les Ocelots
Alt-Rock-influenced, post-jazz quintet Les Ocelots play contemporary instrumental music featuring the compositions of saxophonist James Marsh, guitarist Jean de Talhouet, bassist Ruth Goller and keyboardist Zac Gvirtzmann. The result is a wide ranging blend of off-kilter M-Base style Funk and global grooves and hip-hop, with influences such as Wayne Shorter and AKA Moon.
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Fri 11 | 8.30pm
Flat Earth Society
From Belgium, Flat Earth Society are a 14-piece jazz ensemble playing music like few others. Led by clarinetist Peter Vermeersch, at its best live, the ensemble has both feet planted firmly in the avant-garde, and flirts with film, theatre and circus music, as well as burlesque and lounge. Releasing their 11th CD later this year, FES is able to draw freely on a vast and enlarging repertoire.
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Sun 13 | 2.00pm
Township Comets
The Comets play the searing, joyous music of saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, a towering figure in township jazz and the European free scene. Featuring Pinise Saul (vox), Jason Yarde (alto), Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Harry Brown (trombone), Adam Glasser (piano), Dudley Phillips (bass) and Frank Tontoh (drums).
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Tue 15 | 8.30pm
George Crowley album launch
Rising star saxophonist George Crowley launches his debut album ‘Paper Universe’ (Whirlwind Recordings) with his stellar quartet including Kit Downes, Tom Farmer and James Maddren. The musical world of ‘Paper Universe’ is playful and unpretentious, but the songs themselves take the listener on a journey from gentle and lyrical to the tempestuous realms of freer improvisation, referencing an impressive range of influences, maturely and fondly treated by this engaging band.
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Thur 17 | 8.30pm
Deco Heart featuring Evan Parker. Working at the edge of jazz, contemporary classical and New York downtown improv, Deco Heart is a duo featuring legendary violist Mat Maneri and the acclaimed Transylvanian expat pianist Lucian Ban.
With special guest saxophonist Evan Parker.…………………………………………
Sun 20 | 8.30pm
Mopomoso – free improvisation night
Mopomoso’s 21st anniversary year continues with an international line-up presenting some of the best in free improvisation.
Giorgio Albanese / Ricardo Tejero
Sylvia Hallett / Anna Homler
Kay Grant / Matthew Ostrowski / John Russell / Dave Solomon
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