Ian MacGowan (aka Smith) arrived in London in 1990 from Dublin with two phone numbers in his hand: John Stevens and Derek Bailey. Those were the only two numbers he wanted at the time, but as the months went on he got to know and play with many amazing musicians – he founded The Gathering with Maggie Nichols, and the London Improvisers Orchestra with Steve Beresford and Evan Parker. He ended up playing and recording with John and Derek, and plays with anybody who wants to start from nothing. Most of tonight’s cast are old friends; some new; all are beautifully personal voices. He’ll be playing with most of them.
Henry Lowther / Byron Wallen – trumpets
Julian Faultless – french horn
Alan Tomlinson, Sarah Gail Brand, Ed Lucas – trombones
Oren Marshall, Dave Powell – tubas
Steve Beresford – occasional conductor
In the Square 6.00pm
Pete McPhail – alto sax
Tom Wheatley – bass
Steve Noble – drums
In the Vortex downstairs 7pm
BJ Cole – pedal steel
Ansuman Biswas – percussion
In Vortex upstairs 8pm
9pm
Rowland Sutherland – flutes
Marcio Mattos – bass
9.30pmpm
Sibyl Madrigal – poetry
10pm
Steve Lawson – bass
Jason Cooper – drums
and special guests to be confirmed