With the very best from the world of free improvisation our February concert highlights both new and established collaborations from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and approaches.

Olie Brice (bass) / Neil Metcalfe (flute)

Growing out of out of quartet concerts in 2009 with drummer Tony Marsh and saxophonist Mark Hanslip, and then with Tony Marsh and Evan Parker, this duo greatly enjoyed playing together, and shared a desire to explore the possibilities of operating as an acoustic duo, allowing them to explore dynamic areas made impossible by amplification and free jazz drumming!  A debut CD ‘brackish’ is released this Spring on FMR.

Alison Blunt (violin) / Annette Giesriegel (voice) / Elisabeth Harnink (piano)

The unceasingly creative Alison Blunt leads this much awaited trio’s UK debut with two of Austria’s finest! Both Harnik and Giesriegel are major players in their native country and last appeared together in London as part of the Alpenglow festival. Lively and inventive improvisers with a wealth of experience.

John Butcher (sax) / Matthew Ostrowski (electronics)

Rightly regarded as one of the world’s leading saxophone innovators John Butcher’s highly individual saxophone techniques are equalled by a fine ear and musicality. He is joined by the New York based electronic/computer music wizard Matthew Ostrowski on a rare UK visit.

Stefan Keune (sax) / John Russell (guitar)

Russell and Keune have been playing together for many years, appearing in the UK, Europe and Japan both as a duo and with other musicians including Evan Parker, Paul Lovens and Hans Schneider. Articulate and inventive exchanges from a long term improvising partnership.

Continuing to celebrate the best in free improvisation Mopomoso starts the year in style with an international line up of from Switzerland, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK with their regular concert series and an extra CD launch concert.

Sunday 16 January

Rodrigo Montoya / Thomas Rohrer / Michelle Agnes / Marcio Mattos

A remarkable group with some of Brazil’s finest improvisers, Montoya and Rohrer’s far from traditional work on the shamisen and rabeca respectively exhibit a keen sense of open exploration, Agnes on piano and Mattos on cello are a delight. Busy, inventive and uncompromising music of the highest order.

Chefa Alonso / Albert Kaul / Barbara Meyer

A welcome return visit for Spanish saxophonist Alonso and German pianist Kaul, this time with visuals from Meyer, presenting a UK debut for this collaboration, exploring the imaginative and expansive relationships between sight and sound.

Claudia Binder / John Butcher / John Edwards

Swiss pianist Binder here playing with two great improvisers. Butcher and Edwards are regarded world wide as being amongst the very best exponents on their respective instruments and Binder’s work is noted for her ability to get to the heart of the music. Intimate and expressive music of many shades.

‘Reciprocal Uncles’
Gianni Mimmo / Gianni Lenoci – Visit postponed

Another UK debut sees Amirani boss and soprano sax wizard Gianni Mimmo in the company of the highly regarded Gianni Lenoci whose credits include Steve Lacy, Harold Land, Kent Carter, Don Moye and Marcus Stockhausen to name a few.

As well as improvisation he is currently working on interpretations of J.S Bach and Morton Feldman. A richly nuanced multi-perspective approach giving a vivid listening experience.

PLUS!

Monday 17 January

Doneda / Russell / Turner

Final Winter tour date and only UK appearance to launch the trio’s new CD ‘The Cigar that Talks’, this concert sees a rare UK appearance for saxophonist Michel Doneda.

A leading figure in French new music, widely regarded for his highly personal approach to both his music and instrument, he has worked with a.o Fred van Hove, Max Eastley, John Zorn, Elvin Jones, Phil Wachsmann, Le Quan Ninh and Eliot Sharp.

Michel is joined by the incomparable pairing of John Russell (guitar) and Roger Turner (percussion), a duo of some thirty years standing, ‘The Cigars’ have played a number of European festivals and tours, where their music has captivated audiences with its constantly evolving music.

CD’s signed by the group will be on sale for a special one off price of £8. Booking advisable.