Belgian free impro and avant-garde label A NEW WAVE OF JAZZ returns 3 years after their first festival at HUNDRED YEARS GALLERY for another two days of free music which resembles the output of the label but simultaneously welcomes new members and exclusive constellations.
DAY ONE
downstairs:
7pm: HUNT AT THE BROOK trio
In 2014, Tom Jackson (clarinet), Benedict Taylor (viola) and Daniel Thompson (guitar) came together as a trio to record their debut in Stamford Brook with engineer Dave Hunt (hence Hunt at the Brook). Playing in the context of democratic free interaction, with accents and ideas reminiscent of Taylor and Jackson’s classic roots merging seamlessly with the free explorations of Thompson’s willful guitar playing.
Their new album (a double disc, including guest musician Neil Metcalfe) is out on A New Wave Of Jazz.
9pm: JOHN EDWARDS/ANDREW LISLE/ DIRK SERRIES/COLIN WEBSTER quartet
Dirk Serries (guitar), Colin Webster (alto saxophone), and Andrew Lisle (drums) are no strangers to each other having worked together prolifically for the last six years, most notably in Kodian Trio. In this quaret, the three are joined by one of the most pivotal
figures in improvised music – John Edwards (double bass).
Musically, the quartet play fully acoustic, and with Lisle playing a minimal percussion set-up. The stripped-back instrumentation allows for a focus on texture and timbre, but doesn’t prevent moments of ferociousness either, reminiscent of many albums from the formative ‘golden-era’ of improvised music, with the undeniable stamp of personality from these ‘modern- era’ musicians.
upstairs:
8pm: MARTINA VERHOEVEN & JOSÉ LENCASTRE duo
A New Wave Of Jazz welcomes Portugese saxophonist José Lencastre to the family. Officially released during this festival is the newly formed LEMADI TRIO’s TRYPTOPHAN SUITE is the trio’s debut, an extraordinary live registration of José Lencastre (alto sax), Dirk Serries (guitar) and Martina Verhoeven on the electric piano. For this festival Martina and José are playing duo. Although here Martina on the upright piano but expect free improvised music that will be reminiscent of the trio and at same time not. Exciting.
DAY TWO
downstairs:
4pm: TONUS
(Andrew Lisle, Benedict Taylor, Colin Webster, Dirk Serries, Graham Dunning, Dominic Lash, José Lencastre, Martina Verhoeven, Matthew Grigg, Tom Ward)
Dirk Serries’ minimal ensemble TONUS, frequently based upon his graphic scores, returns to HYG with an impressive and eccentric line-up, acoustic and electronic. Although the graphic scoring will guide the musicians gently, the strength of this ensemble is the focus and patience of each player to interact and contribute. Deep listening pur sang.
upstairs:
3pm: CHARLOTTE KEEFFE & ALAN WILKINSON duo
Oh yes, a powerhouse duo guaranteed. Both musicians have been frequently involved with the label so both Alan as Charlotte couldn’t be left out. To start the 2nd day of the festival with panache, we invited them to play duo upstairs. Full on free impro (saxophone, bass clarinet, trumpet and flugelhorn) up close and personal.
