Longtime Leeds jazz DJ/promoter Lubi Jovanovic aka DJ Lubi has a series of socially distanced gigs at Brudenell Social Club as we come out of lockdown and gig/venue restrictions. They begin on 20th May and run through to 24th June 2021. A mix of soul, Brazilian and African music and of course, jazz. With financial assistance from Jazz North he has a dozen concerts showcasing Leeds' finest jazz musicians under the banner of Jazzland Sessions. This one features two of Leeds best known jazz guitarists of the moment, both coming from different ends of the jazz guitar spectrum.
Since their formation in 2012, the Leeds based trio Svarc Hanley Longhawn have continued to blend their own mixture of melodic riffs, open improvisation and heavy effects that first surfaced on their debut album "For The Greater Good', released in 2013. Featuring guitarist Nik Svarc, drummer Steve Hanley and keys player Martin Longhawn, they join the dots between jazz, funk and rock in a way which respects the past masters whilst bringing it up to date with their own contemporary sound and style.
Their acclaimed second album "#2", released in 2018, expanded their profile resulting in more gigs across the UK. After a busy year in 2019 touring and playing many festivals and music venues, they hit the studio in early 2020 and put down new tunes which they'd finely honed at gigs in the previous year. That album "20/21" was released in February this year and had some great reviews (Jazzwise Magazine) and radio play on many jazz orientated shows and stations.
The album features seven original tracks composed by the trio with the emphasis on blending written material with improvisation and a layered sonic landscape. Influences from past and current masters of jazz, rock and funk are present yet Svarc Hanley Longhawn manage to develop an originality in their approach which continues to evolve both in their live performances and on recordings. Without a doubt, "20/21" will further enhance their musical reputation in the UK jazz scene and when gigs do finally return, they'll be back on the road performing their unique sound of trio fusion jazz. That starts tonight with this gig.
Support comes from the Ben Haskins Quartet led by Leeds-based jazz guitarist Ben Haskins (Tetes de Pois, Jasmine, Another Workout). In April 2021, they released their second offering, a double single "Twenty Twenty/Laid Up" on HPBC Records. Recorded in the depths of a global pandemic, the two tracks showcase the maturity, tenacity and interplay of this now seasoned group. The quartet (which features members of Wandering Monster, Slow Lorris, Jasmine and K.O.G & The Zongo Brigade), came together through jam nights, mutual projects and a love for improvised music. After successful gigs around Leeds' favourite jazz joints since 2019, the group has regularly gigged across the North, leading to their first release "Candescence".
Exploring open, melodic compositions and expansive improvisations, the guitar and tenor sax led quartet draws influence from jazz scenes on both sides of the Atlantic, taking inspiration from John Coltrane, Shabaka Hutchings, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Guiliana, and Bill Frisell.
Like so many compositions from the post-lockdown generation of artists, "Twenty Twenty" has been born out of the dichotomy of hope and frustration felt by people world-wide. In a time where musicians have been deprived of their livelihood and soul food, writing music and honing a craft is all that is left. Both the composition and improvisation reflect a time when resilience is found amidst despair.
"Laid Up" draws inspiration from the contemporary canon of jazz. Pushing the dynamic and sonic capabilities of the guitar quartet, the music doffs a hat to the John Coltrane Quartet and the music of Kurt Rosenwinkel, whilst exploring a driving 5/4 groove with propulsive energy. The band are Ben Haskins - guitar and compositions, Ben Powling - tenor saxophone, Owen Burns - electric bass and Theo Goss - drums.
***JAZZLAND SESSIONS gratefully acknowledges financial support from Jazz North via their Open Bursary Award towards our socially distanced gigs program from 20.05.2021 to 24.06.2021.***
This concert will fully comply with existing government COVID-19 safety regulations. You can check these here at the venue's website.
Tickets £32 per table
Table bookings only - up to 4 persons per table - all tickets must be pre-booked.
***if government COVID-19 rules change regarding public places and venues are closed again, this event will be postponed and rescheduled to a later date and all tickets sold will be valid for a new date***
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