In a week’s time we’ll be shaking off the hangover of our launch party and getting ready for the first full day of Harmonic 2011. And what a day it will be. First of all, let us introduce you to our launch party band Husk. Husk are led by trumpet player Sam Wooster but are very much a band in the traditional, collective sense. They pair crushing, Meshuggah inspired riffs with free improv to create a unique and awesome sound. They will be performing new music for the first time as well as giving away free goodies. Best of all, the whole gig is free! You can check out some of their performance from our programme launch back in March on youtube here and check out Husk on Facebook: facebook.com/huskuk.
Next Friday (30th September) we’ll be at the MAC for a full day of new music and discussion. First up electroacoustic wizard Pierre-Alexandre Tremblay will be giving a workshop in improvising and live processing with musicians from the Cobweb and Soundkitchen collectives. The workshop is free of charge and is from 10.30 until 12 in the Foyle Studio.
The second annual Jazz And The Media symposium takes place from 1pm until 4pm also in the Foyle Studio. The focus will be on jazz collectives and their use of social media. Guest speakers include Sebastian Scotney (London Jazz) and Andrew Dubber. You can book tickets here. Following the symposium we are presenting a Collectives Triple Bill with The 265 Quartet from Manchester’s Efpi collective, Noose from Cobweb Collective and the return of Pierre-Alexandre Tremblay with Loop Collective’s Splice. These three bands are from three of the most creative collectives in the UK, all on one ticket from 4.30pm in the Hexagon Theatre. Simultaneously, Birmingham Jazz will be presenting a special Rush Hour Blues concert with a new band led by drummer Miles Levin at 5.30pm in Symphony Hall Foyer.
Headlining Day 1 of Harmonic will be a very special performance by Arve Henriksen and Dreams Of Tall Buildings at 8pm in the main theatre. Having worked together on the stunning album Rope parts I,II & III & Drowning the heart sounds this will be the very first live performance from them commissioned especially for Harmonic. They will be playing a new work based on the journey of water and it promises to be very special indeed. Tickets are available from the MAC website but are selling fast.
Finally our best of Cobweb Collective series rounds off Day 1. Playing in the cafe after the Arve & DOTB gig will be the Jonathan Silk Quartet, a fantastic drummer-led band. Grab a drink, grab a seat and get ready for Day 2.
