Two Whirlwind performances at this month’s Jazz In The Round
Alex Garnett packs a punch with his Bunch of Five and George Crowley opens his Can Of Worms at London's Cockpit Theatre July 27
London’s Cockpit Theatre continues to support 'Jazz In The Round', their monthly Monday night of live Jazz hosted by Jez Nelson. On July 27 a trio of cutting edge acts is bolstered by a cool double for London based label Whirlwind Recordings.
British jazz scene stalwart and Ronnie Scott’s host Alex Garnett leads his Bunch of Five showcasing his recent Whirlwind release ‘Andromeda’. Strongly routed in groove and swing, compositions leave plenty of freedom room for unexpected twists and improvisation from all ensemble members. Bunch of Five is a twin tenor saxophone outfit led by Alex alongside American Tim Armacost with Liam Noble on piano, James Madren on bass and Whirlwind Recordings supremo Michael Janisch on bass.
Opening act is the innovative young composer and saxophonist George Crowley, a prominent new voice among the sea of burgeoning creative musicians living in London. Crowley will be opening his ‘Can Of Worms’, his second recording for Whirlwind and another twin saxophone front line with Tom Challenger leading a brilliant young band including Dan Nicholls on piano, Sam Lasserson on bass and Jon Scott on drums.
As ever there's a superb solo performance between the two bands, this month featuring kora player Tunde Jegede.
Being ‘in the round’ all four sides of the theatre will be occupied by the audience giving a unique vibe and perspective. For more information see thecockpit.org.uk
Listen to Chris Philips' interview with Alex Garnett: