Line up:
Zhenya Strigalev – alto/soprano saxophones, effects, alto box
Elliot Galvin – piano, keyboards
Ferg Ireland – double bass
Seb Rochford – drums
Tom Harrison – alto sax, effects, alto box
Byron Wallen – trumpet
Miguel Gorodi – trumpet
This concert will be a special one as it will present two new projects, one set for each. The first one is a collaboration between Zhenya and leading UK saxophonist, Tom Harrison. They will be exploring new possibilities of Zhenya’s creation “alto box”. Its the first time you will hear two alto boxes together at the same time. “Alto box” is a way to use electronics with saxophone, thanks to which the effects sound much cleaner as well as allowing you to use broader palate of colors. See one alto box in action in the clip below.They will play brand new original compositions as well as some standards in original arrangements.
The second set will be an exciting, fun sextet which features extended horn section and consists of two trumpets and saxohone. We are happy to have the UK trumpet legent Byron Wallen joining the band as well as one of the most tasteful and original London trumpeters, Miguel Gorodi. You will get chance to hear the cream of the contemporary trumpet sound.
The rhythm section will not less marvellous than the projects themselves. It will feature the one and only, Seb Rochford on drums (Polar Bear), Elliot Galvin (Dinosaur) playing piano and keyboards as well as most in demand London double bassist, Ferg Ireland.
In the second set, they will play some new originals as well as some compositions from Zhenya’s new album “Blues For Maggie”.
Don’t expect anything. Be ready for something!
About Zhenya:
Born in St Petersburg Zhenya Strigalev took up the saxophone as a teenager, at age 17 winning “The Best Saxophonist” award in a well known St. Petersburg jazz competition. After completing his military service he was granted a full scholarship to attend London’s Royal Academy of Music in recognition of his outstanding musical talent. Since graduating from there, Zhenya has cut a dynamic path between the London and New York jazz scenes.
Zhenya worked with some of today’s most forward thinking musicians including (Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tim Lefebvre of David Bowie, Alex Sipiagin, William Parker, Aaron Parks, Larry Grenadier, Nasheet Waites…) and appeared at many prestigious jazz festivals and concert venues, performing extensively in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Austria, Britain, Switzerland, Chile…In UK, he played in the leading jazz venues including regular appearances at London Jazz Festival and headlining at Ronnie Scotts with his original projects. He recorded for albums in London, New York, Berlin with his groups including critically acclaimed Smiling Organizm and Never Group. His music regularly played on BBC radio as well as national radios in Austria, Germany, Finland, France, Switzerland, Australia to name a few.
Matching quirky humour with serious musical intent, delicate melodic hooks with heavyweight rhythmic muscle leaves a vivid impression and put Zhenya among some of the most exciting musicians around.
“always it’s a surreal, impressive brew”
★★★★ Jazzwise
“A maverick at the heart of modern jazz.”
★★★★ The Telegraph