Anton Hunter - photo by Mark Whitaker © 2013
Spontaneity and improvisation are words close to any jazz musician's heart – but what happens when you take it one step further to improvise the whole line-up of a band? Well, our annual event, Adventures in Sound dares to do just that, as we invite musicians from all corners of the improvising world, stick them in ad-hoc groupings and throw them on stage before they've even had time to shake hands. If you think that sounds daunting, then you might be quite surprised by the results in this week's programme.
Mola Sylla at Adventures in Sound
Recorded at Cafe Oto during last year's London Jazz Festival, our first impromptu performance comes from Senegalese vocalist Mola Sylla, British bassist Sam Lasserson and Dutch saxophonist and flautist Ab Baars. Somehow the trio settle into a rhythm and mood almost immediately and Sylla – who also plays percussion – proves to be something of a secret weapon, bringing sounds far from the avant-jazz norm. In our second spontaneous collaboration, volatile textures are explored by a group including saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and acoustic bass guitariist Luc Ex. They are joined by drummer Jeff Williams and electronics whizz Leafcutter John, whose rumblings and glitchy rhythms propel the music in unexpected directions. We also have a chance to hear a set from Luc Ex’s trio, as well as music from another threesome led by guitarist Anton Hunter – their warm, Americana-tinged sound is close to my heart, and if you heard the piece we broadcast from this performance before Christmas, you’ll know you’re in for a treat.
This week also marks the 70th birthday of an extraordinary composer and bandleader, who's made many unforgettable sonic explorations of his own – Henry Threadgill. Speaking with his close colleagues drummer Pheeroan akLaff, composer George Lewis, and guitarist Liberty Ellman, we'll be getting the inside track on the man and his music.
Join me on Monday 17 February at 11pm, or listen online for seven days after broadcast.
This week also marks the 70th birthday of an extraordinary composer and bandleader, who's made many unforgettable sonic explorations of his own – Henry Threadgill. Speaking with his close colleagues drummer Pheeroan akLaff, composer George Lewis, and guitarist Liberty Ellman, we'll be getting the inside track on the man and his music.
Join me on Monday 17 February at 11pm, or listen online for seven days after broadcast.
Jez
If you have comments about the show, or requests for music you’d like to hear, do get in touch at jazzon3@bbc.co.uk or on twitter at @BBCJazzon3.
