Tori Freestone – Saxophones, Flute
Alcyona Mick – Piano
Brigitte Beraha (guest) – Voice
Originally formed whilst playing Monk tunes in the Canary Islands, Tori and Alcyona were given their first platform as a duo at Manchester Jazz Festival in 2015. Having worked together in larger ensembles such as the London Jazz Orchestra, the paired down two-piece setting gives them space to explore their highly spontaneous and interactive approaches to playing. Tori and Alcyona have a diverse range of influences between them, and their sound world, ranging from the mathematically challenging to lyrically beautiful is encapsulated through creative intrigue and improvisational dexterity. Their debut duo album Criss Cross was recorded at the famous Artesuono studio in Italy and released on transatlantic label Whirlwind Recordings, and the two are in the middle of an Arts Council funded UK tour to promote the release. Stunning vocalist Brigitte Beraha who also features on their album joins them as a special guest on the night.
Alcyona is an established London player working with an array of artists in the UK and abroad. She is a member of the London Jazz orchestra, has played for many years internationally with Arabic artist Natacha Atlas, and has performed in Istanbul with many Turkish musicians. As a composer she studied at the National Film and Television school.
Freestone features in many of the UK’s most exciting ensembles including: UK Allstar bigband with Hermeto Pascoal, Julian Siegel Jazz orchestra, Andre Canniere Sextet, and leads her own widely acclaimed trio with Dave Mannington and Tim Giles. She was shortlisted for the Arts Foundation Award 2017 and recieved a trio commission for the EFG London jazz festival at the QEH.
Tori Freestone) ‘Imposingly original sound’ – the guardian (Alcyona Mick) ‘World class ingenuity’ – the guardian (Brigitte) ‘A great musician, Brigitte Beraha uses her voice like an instrument..’ – Julian Joseph Jazz lineup