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Jazz on 3: Claudia Quintet, Mopo

Jez Nelson

Radio 3 Presenter

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Inspiration can strike at odd moments in life. For drummer and composer John Hollenbeck, it was the toilets he encountered on tour – and the brands (though thankfully not the contents) find their way into the setlist for this week’s live recording – a memorable performance by his Claudia Quintet at last year’s London Jazz Festival.

Claudia Quintet, credit Signe Maehler

The music bears the band’s distinctive stamp, drawing on minimalism, post-rock and contemporary classical sounds, with a groove never far away. Matt Moran’s vibes and the accordion of Red Wierenga add an unusual palette to the driving rhythms of Hollenbeck and bassist Drew Gress, while reeds player Chris Speed lives up to his name with a burning, Coltrane-esque solo in the finale. Before that, listen out for British pianist Tom Cawley, a late addition to the band, doing his country proud in our very own ‘Armitage Shanks’.

Mopo

Finnish punk-jazzers Mopo are another band finding ideas in unusual places – everything from environmental disasters to dog agility courses. Their exclusive session for us, later in the programme, goes beyond novelty though – this is definitely a trio to keep an eye on.

Also on the programme, more music by emerging artists as I dip into the BBC Introducing uploader; and we preview Pat Metheny’s latest album, released in his 60th birthday year, with an introduction from the man himself.

Join me for all of this on Monday 13 January from 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

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