John Law (Piano)
Josh Arcoleo (Saxophone)
James Agg (Bass)
Dave Hamblet (Drums)
The latest project of John Law (“One of the UK’s most versatile and imaginative jazz pianist/composers” International Piano Magazine), his New Congregation, develops his acclaimed trio Congregation, expanding it to a quartet. For this quartet and for this Vortex concert John has brought in three exciting young talents: award-winning young saxophonist Josh Arcoleo (for a long time a member of Joss Stone’s touring band), a melodic player of stunning fluency and eloquence, on bass one of the UK’s most outstanding young musicians, a player with perfect ears and lightning response, James Agg and, on drums, Dave Hamblett, already the most in-demand drummer on the UK jazz scene and a powerhouse of rhythm, energy and precision, a real listening drummer.
In this concert John will be promoting his new double album, These Skies In Which We Rust, containing eleven new compositions of astonishing breadth: hard-hitting, simple melodies (for example his big hit Seven Ate Nine) as well as complex textures, some featuring electronic music backing tracks, mixing in elements from classical and rock as well, and all with brilliant instrumental playing by all four musicians. A truly European jazz group. With a large, Arts Council-supported UK CD promotional tour in February/March/April/May/June 2016 These Skies In Which We Rust looks certain to be, along with this new quartet, one of the musical discoveries of 2016; music that, while reflecting the latest, intricate developments in jazz, also manages to be accessible and simple, remaining true to the principle of the importance of communication with audiences.
“…combining the vocabularies of jazz and classical in a singular and seamless way,
coalescing improvisational surprise and a deep elegiac musicality…”
All About Jazz 2011
“…so full of joy that it can renew your faith not just in jazz, but music itself.” Phil Johnson, Independent on Sunday 2011
“John Law remains one of the under-recognised giant s of British modern jazz/new music piano” Downtown Music Gallery, New York
“A brilliant new group…a band heading for great things!” John Fordham, The Guardian
“An interesting and highly gifted maverick musician” Alfred Brendel
“One of this country’s most imaginative young pianists” The Times
“When he records for ECM he’ll become a star” Jazzthethik, Germany
“…technical bravura with crystal clear, fast passagework coupled with a sovereign command over everything that is pianistically possible. You wonder if there is actually anything that this pianist cannot do.” Jazz Podium Germany 1997