Serious Events

PAT METHENY UNITY BAND w/ Chris Potter, Ben Williams & Antonio Sanchez

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:30:00 +0100

World renowned guitarist/composer Pat Metheny brings together a new and specially hand-picked ensemble, to mark his first London concert in two years, and his only UK concert this year.

Saxophonist Chris Potter joins Metheny for a collaboration that is sure to strike sparks – a potent improviser, whose “works with” list includes Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, McCoy Tyner and many others. There’s a real buzz developing around bassist Ben Williams – a young New York hotshot who has already caught the ear of contemporary jazz giants Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, and Herbie Hancock. Drummer Antonio Sanchez’s association with Metheny stretches back to 2003 – in the guitarist’s own words, “with Antonio, anything is possible.” Metheny’s own genius invariably brings out the very best in his fellow players – this band is sure to deliver music of rare spirit and imagination.

Penguin Cafe

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Penguin Cafe's music has infiltrated daily life from films like Napoleon Dynamite to countless theme tunes, and they've played festivals from Bestival and The Big Chill to a sold out Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms. Their sound is at once familiar and new, combining acoustic power and a beguiling, feisty charm. They're back this summer following a sell-out UK tour in 2011.

“Penguin Cafe continues to occupy a unique place in music: nothing else has ever sounded quite like it. Eccentric, charming, accommodating, surprising, seductive, warm, reliable, modest and unforgettable: it's a true friend.” Brian Eno

“Upbeat folk strums, north African strains, a little blues, some classical minimalism, a hint of Calypso and a touch of Celtic fire - exquisite” Arts Desk

“This is music that is designed with a real generosity of spirit.” Guardian

"Arthur Jeffes led a ten-piece ensemble that displayed the intricacy, finesse and understanding you would usually associate with a chamber orchestra." Music OHM

Esperanza Spalding: Radio Music Society

Mon, 28 May 2012 20:30:00 +0100

The remarkable story of Esperanza Spalding takes yet another leap forward with the launch of her brilliant new CD, Radio Music Society. Complementing the chart-topping Chamber Music Society, the new project merges r ‘n’ b, pop and nu-soul with her jazz roots. Featuring compelling original songs alongside covers such as Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Can’t Help It’, it’s confirmation of a style-spanning presence in today’s music that is certain to make an even wider global impact for the multi-talented vocalist/composer/bassist. A mesmerising live performer, Esperanza played two sell-out shows at the Barbican in 2011 with the music from Chamber Music Society following her unprecedented GRAMMY® Award last year. This exclusive UK concert in Koko’s intimate atmosphere promises to be one of the must-see highlights of 2012.

"Esperanza Spalding is a marvel. Everything this leggy, Afro-haired wunderkind does is of the highest order. The girl just can't help sounding hip.” Evening Standard

Click here to pre-order Radio Music Society, out March 19th.

ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT ft. Bilal

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Robert Glasper has long kept one foot planted firmly in jazz, and the other in hip hop. His latest project is no exception. Following two sell-out shows at the 2011 London Jazz Festival, Glasper returns to London to mark the launch of Black Radio, a future landmark album for Blue Note that boldly stakes out new musical territory, drawing on jazz, hip hop, R&B and rock, but refusing to be defined by any one genre.

Robert Glasper Experiment EPK

The first full-length album from the GRAMMY-nominated keyboardist’s electric Experiment band - saxist/vocoderist Casey Benjamin, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Chris Dave - Black Radio also features many of Glasper’s famous friends from the spectrum of urban music, a jaw-dropping roll call of special guests including Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Ah Yeah featuring Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele

Robert’s stunning live band will be joined by the extraordinary singer Bilal, who also features on the new CD - a further guest vocalist is still to be announced.

'It's a short list of jazz pianists who have the wherewithal to drop a J Dilla reference into a Thelonious Monk cover, but not many jazz pianists are Robert Glasper.' Los Angeles Times

TRIO LIBERO Andy Sheppard, Michel Benita, Sebastian Rochford

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:00:00 +0100

British saxophonist Andy Sheppard is joined by French bassist Michel Benita and British drummer Seb Rochford to perform from their new ECM album, out on Mon 30 Jan. From Rochford’s part in Polar Bear to Benita’s collaborations with Archie Shepp and Lee Konitz, Trio Libero is shaped by three leading individuals from today’s jazz scene. Under Sheppard’s lead, together they produce exquisite grooves and insinuating themes with an easy grace that belies the musical sophistication at work.

Marcus Miller

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:30:00 +0100

Grammy Award-winning artist Marcus Miller returns to London for a special one-off concert at Royal Festival Hall. He has worked both as a performer and producer with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Grover Washington Jr. Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Mariah Carey, Bill Withers, Elton John, Bryan Ferry, Frank Sinatra, and LL Cool J. He also toured with his childhood idol, Miles Davies and produced his landmark 'Tutu' album.

For more than 20 years, Marcus enjoyed a musical relationship with R&B legend, Luther Vandross. Since the mid-1990s he has toured as a solo artist and in 2001 his album M2 ('M-squared') won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album . In recent years Marcus has also turned his attention to composing for films such as House Party and Boomerang.

Concertgebouw – Queen’s Night Concert

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:30:00 +0100

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw stages a special musical encounter in aid of the Queen. Fink joins the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Ivan Meylemans, in a challenging musical production that joins modern symphonic repertoire and songs from Fink in arrangements by Jules Buckley, bridging the boundaries between classical and popular music.

Saxophone Massive

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Composed and led by UK saxophonist and composer Andy Sheppard, this large scale participation project provides the opportunity for saxophonists of all ages and abilities to perform en masse in public spaces and unusual places.

The project was originally written and performed in 2006 as The Living Bridge to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Brunel and launched the new lighting for the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. Since then, Saxophone Massive has evolved to include performances in the London Jazz Festival, Leeds Fuse Festival and as a charity fundraiser for the ARK Charity. Internationally, the project has been staged at Jazz sous les Pommiers in Coutances, France and in Stavanger, Norway, as part of its European Capital of Culture programme.

Most recently, Saxophone Massive was performed as the opening for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival on 6 May 2011. Crowds in their thousands gathered at the Forum in the city centre to hear saxophonists from seven to 77 play Sheppard’s acclaimed work. The performance was a huge hit with the Festival’s Children’s Choice Awards, who voted it Best Sound and Best Entrance.

Saxophone Massive was produced by the Norfolk and Norwich Festival with Serious as part of an ongoing programme linked to River of Music – the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme supported by the National Lottery and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Saxophone Massive

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:10:00 +0100

Chick Corea & Gary Burton

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:30:00 +0100

Chick Corea joins forces with vibes player Gary Burton, in a rare reappearance of one of the most absorbing jazz partnerships around. This remarkable collaboration between two of jazz’s longest-standing musical pioneers produced the landmark album Crystal Silence in 1972, and has proceeded to grow, flourish and generate no fewer than three Grammy-Award winning albums over the ensuing years. Their latest offering is Hot House, due for release on Concord Records in early 2012, and the duo will perform both original music from this album as well as past works.

“One of jazz’s most celebrated collaborations.” Los Angeles Times

Roberto Fonseca + Ayanna

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:30:00 +0100

This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, hot, stylish and sultry, into the 21st century.

His new album, YO, is out soon and looks back to his Caribbean roots while striking forwards with red-hot grooves, electronic beats and sensuous lyricism that effortlessly updates Cuba's musical lineage.

“It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life.” Times

“A fabulously gifted pianist, composer and band leader with a gift for melody that outshines more celebrated peers...one of a new breed who can transcend musical boundaries through sheer quality” Guardian

“A genre-busting tour de force… the lyricism of his playing recalls Herbie Hancock but he can animate the courtly dramas of Cuban tradition... a joyous poignant offering” Observer

“Sensuous, fresh, modern - Roberto Fonseca brings the piano dazzlingly to life” Daily Telegraph

For a sneak peak of Roberto's new album, watch this:

Click here for more videos and to win a meet and great with the man himself.

Opening for Roberto on this Black Routes tour is Ayanna, the first non-American to win the legendary Amateur night Live at the Harlem Apollo Theatre, whose beguiling vocals skip and swing over intimate, honey-sweet cello. Her music was recently celebrated in an evening devoted to her work at the Kings Place Festival in London. Earlier this year she was commissioned to write a new piece for the Bath Festival, following her first UK tour last year and residencies at Wigmore Hall and Aldeburgh. She’s just finished a UK tour with Natty and recording in New York with Kronos Quartet, which neatly captures her full range.

"Ayanna has to be heard to be believed" Time Out

Give In To Sin from Ayanna's new album, Truthfully:

Roberto Fonseca + Ayanna

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, hot, stylish and sultry, into the 21st century.

“It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life.” Times

“A genre-busting tour de force… the lyricism of his playing recalls Herbie Hancock but he can animate the courtly dramas of Cuban tradition... a joyous poignant offering” Observer

“Sensuous, fresh, modern - Roberto Fonseca brings the piano dazzlingly to life” Daily Telegraph

For a sneak peak of Roberto's new album, watch this:

Click here for more videos and to win a meet and great with the man himself.

"Ayanna has to be heard to be believed" Time Out

Give In To Sin from Ayanna's new album, Truthfully:

Ambrose Akinmusire + Robert Mitchell 3io

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Before he reached eighteen, Ambrose Akinmusire had already performed with a string of acclaimed musicians including Joe Henderson, Joshua Redman and Steve Coleman. He’s since gone on to play in the bands of Herbie Hancock, Jason Moran and Wayne Shorter and London’s Ronnie Scott’s was bursting at the seams for the blazing premiere of his own new Blue Note album When The Heart Emerges Glistening. Heralded as “a major creative figure in the making” (Jazzwise) and comparable “with some of the biggest names in African-American jazz, Miles Davis included” (Guardian), Akinmusire is quickly becoming one of the most exciting, fresh and striking figures on today’s jazz scene.

Support comes from award-winning pianist, composer and arranger, Robert Mitchell, who counts Steve Williamson, Norma Winstone Courtney Pine and Greg Osby amongst his many collaborators. In the words of the Metro, “Robert Mitchell creates chamber jazz of astonishing beauty. His music communicates rapt attention, inquisitiveness, high intelligence and refined feeling. Mitchell is a lyricist and a thinker, and British jazz is far richer for his presence.”

Confessions to My Unborn Daughter by ambroseakinmusire

Roberto Fonseca + Ayanna

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0100

This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, hot, stylish and sultry, into the 21st century.

“It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life.” Times

“A genre-busting tour de force… the lyricism of his playing recalls Herbie Hancock but he can animate the courtly dramas of Cuban tradition... a joyous poignant offering” Observer

“Sensuous, fresh, modern - Roberto Fonseca brings the piano dazzlingly to life” Daily Telegraph

For a sneak peak of Roberto's new album, watch this:

Click here for more videos and to win a meet and great with the man himself.

"Ayanna has to be heard to be believed" Time Out

Give In To Sin from Ayanna's new album, Truthfully:

TRIO LIBERO Andy Sheppard, Michel Benita, Sebastian Rochford

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:30:00 +0100

Ambrose Akinmusire + Robert Mitchell 3io

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Confessions to My Unborn Daughter by ambroseakinmusire

Beats & Pieces Big Band

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

“Few bands play work of this complexity with such passionate conviction. Movers and shakers such as Ben Cottrell demonstrate that large ensembles remain a vital force in contemporary jazz”**** The Guardian

Beats & Pieces combine the classic big band sound with influences as far reaching as John Zorn and Bjork. Moving effortlessly through dripping ballads, spiky riffs and slamming bass, this 14-strong troupe are set to “re-assure anyone who wonders whether the tradition can connect with a twentysomething audience that knows its Radiohead” (The Times).

Following a storming London debut at Ronnie Scott’s this summer, and a packed-out show at the London Jazz Festival, Beats & Pieces return in the spring with their debut album Big Ideas, proving that the big band tradition is alive and well, and moving into dramatic new territory.

Roberto Fonseca + Ayanna

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0100

This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, hot, stylish and sultry, into the 21st century.

“It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life.” Times

“A genre-busting tour de force… the lyricism of his playing recalls Herbie Hancock but he can animate the courtly dramas of Cuban tradition... a joyous poignant offering” Observer

“Sensuous, fresh, modern - Roberto Fonseca brings the piano dazzlingly to life” Daily Telegraph

For a sneak peak of Roberto's new album, watch this:

Click here for more videos and to win a meet and great with the man himself.

"Ayanna has to be heard to be believed" Time Out

Give In To Sin from Ayanna's new album, Truthfully:

Ambrose Akinmusire + Robert Mitchell 3io

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Confessions to My Unborn Daughter by ambroseakinmusire

Roberto Fonseca + Ayanna

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0100

This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, hot, stylish and sultry, into the 21st century.

“It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life.” Times

“A genre-busting tour de force… the lyricism of his playing recalls Herbie Hancock but he can animate the courtly dramas of Cuban tradition... a joyous poignant offering” Observer

“Sensuous, fresh, modern - Roberto Fonseca brings the piano dazzlingly to life” Daily Telegraph

For a sneak peak of Roberto's new album, watch this:

Click here for more videos and to win a meet and great with the man himself.

"Ayanna has to be heard to be believed" Time Out

Give In To Sin from Ayanna's new album, Truthfully:

Ambrose Akinmusire + Robert Mitchell 3io

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Confessions to My Unborn Daughter by ambroseakinmusire

Black Top + Spelk

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:30:00 +0100

Black Top is the latest project of pianist Pat Thomas, one of the most charismatic figures in European improvisation, who will be joined by Steve Williamson and Orphy Robinson. A regular collaborator with such giants as Lol Coxhill, Han Bennink and the late Derek Bailey, Pat Thomas is also renowned for creating bands that apply a free improv blowtorch to all sorts of music, from movie themes to hip hop, always with a flamboyantly accessible flair. Pat describes Black Top as playing improvised dubstep – with lots of broken beats.

Support comes from Spelk, with guitarist Chris Sharkey (Acoustic Ladyland, trioVD), local bassist Andy Champion (whose quintet ACV has recently completed an acclaimed national tour), and drummer Adrian Tilbrook. Because of other commitments, the trio get together very rarely, but when they do, they really make up for lost time with hugely energetic freely improvised performances in which their shared enthusiasm for experimental rock often rises to the surface.

Tord Gustavsen Ensemble

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0100

This quartet version of the Tord Gustavsen Ensemble will add new colour and dimension from players on the vibrant and eclectic Scandinavian jazz scene. Tord, a regular at many worldwide major festivals and concerts will be joined by Jarle Vespestad (drums), Mats Eilertsen (acoustic bass) and Tore Brunborg (saxophones).

Since Tord’s previous album, the quartet has taken the integration of spare minimalism and a kind of darker, denser interplay even further to produce the new album ‘The Well’ ahead of this current tour.

With support from Music Export Norway and the Norwegian Embassy

An Evening With Curtis Stigers

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:30:00 +0100

Curtis Stigers is at the forefront of a new generation of jazz singers. With one of the most distinctive voices in music, Stigers pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz performers, creating modern jazz standards.

Stigers shot to international fame with hits 'You're All That Matters To Me' and 'I Wonder Why'. He has been celebrated from his early pop chart success including an appearance on the soundtrack to 'The Bodyguard' and has since spent his time strengthening his reputation as a remarkable jazz singer yet often cleverly demonstrating that the lines between jazz, pop, soul, rock, blues and even country are not as clearly defined as they may seem.

His reputation as a jazz singer is now regularly recognised, with ‘Downbeat’ naming him as one of the jazz genre’s ‘Rising Male Stars’; ‘London Times’ selecting his recording ‘You Inspire Me’ as the number one jazz album of 2003; and ‘Jazz Times’ describing him as “one of the best male jazz singers of his generation”.

Curtis will be showcasing material from his latest album and performing his hit songs.

www.curtisstigers.com

Marius Neset Band

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:30:00 +0100

Marius Neset is increasingly regarded as a major emerging voice on the European jazz scene.

It’s not just the virtuoso technique that impresses, although that is already at a level few saxophonists can live with. Nor is it just Neset’s distinctiveness as a composer. Both these aspects are part of a package that is given shape and focus by that indefinable extra factor that adds up to a unique musical personality.

Marius Neset is just 25 years old, yet as a musician and composer he brings an astonishing maturity to all his work.

As a composer, Neset’s influences are similarly diverse – Django Bates (with whom he studied composition), Pat Metheny, Frank Zappa and also Bach, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. Yet already, Neset has absorbed these influences and found his own musical language for expressing their virtues.

A multi-award winner, since graduating from RMC, Marius Neset has pursued his musical goals through different bands.

“Marius Neset combines Brecker’s power and Jan Garbarek’s tonal delicacy, but has a vision that makes all 11 originals on this sensational album feel indispensable, and indispensably connected to each other. Neset is on his way to being one of the biggest new draws on the circuit”. ***** John Fordham, The Guardian

Marius Neset: Saxophones

Ivo Neame: Piano

Jasper Hoiby: Bass

Anton Eger: Drums