Tickets £10, Doors 7pm, Performance 9pm

Mike Janisch and his ‘Purpose Built’ Quartet

Michael Janisch - Basses

Jon Irabagon - Alto Saxophone

Malcolm Edmonstone - Piano

Andrew Bain - Drums

Since settling in London from his native USA Mike Janisch has rapidly established himself one of the leading acoustic bass players on the scene. A powerful and fluent player he includes the likes of Joe Lovano, Dianna Reeves, Shirley Horn and Clark Terry on an impressive cv which also includes gigs at the Hollywood Bowl and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing all styles of music from classical to soul, Michael has been featured on over 20 albums, playing both electric and acoustic bass.

Tonight, Mike will be playing with his ‘Purpose Built’ Quartet, playing music from the eponymous album, which not only marks the start of his solo career but has been received with glowing praise from the Jazz press. A dynamic and ambitious debut, ‘Purpose Built’ blends Mike’s originals with completely fresh arrangements of jazz classics. His original compositions are deeply rooted in jazz’s rich history and focus keenly on a strong sense of pulse and propulsion from his deep and full toned basses. The album marks his arrival as a fine composer, arranger and a creative force who leads his band of prominent young US and UK musicians from the bottom up.

“One of the most inventive cross-boarder bandleaders to  have recently arrived on the scene” John Fordham, The Guardian

“Purpose Built seamlessly marries the highest virtues of jazz – intricate yet purposeful rhythm, colourful harmonic language, compelling melody and high-level improvisation together with those often underused qualities of light and shade… a perfect blend of tradition and modernity” Jazz Journal

“well-crafted, polished writing and arranging, merging straightahead, latin, fusion styles for the contemporary jazz palette…” JazzWise

“…originals are fresh and memorable while the mix of NY and UK musicians deliver faultless and inspired interpretations…” MOJO Magazine

“exuberantly angular and rhythmic, can unexpectedly veer towards the tender” The Telegraph

Jon Irabagon

The New Yorker has in recent years become a major global voice on saxophone, since winning the “Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Saxophone Competition”, the most prestigious jazz awards in the world. Well on his way to international stardom, it’s a rare and special treat to see him in London so don’t miss out!

Andrew Bain

One of the UK’s most exciting and versatile contemporary jazz drummers, with a breadth of experience that is unique amongst percussionists of his generation. A dynamic and powerful musician, Andrew has always sought a challenge, first completing a degree from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2001, and subsequently making a huge plunge to New York City where he earned a prestigious Masters degree in 2003 at the Manhattan School of Music. Since then, Andrew has been a busy member of the Big Apple’s multi-faceted contemporary jazz scene, performing with the likes of Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, and Bob Mintzer.