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Tom Arthurs and Björn Meyer
Tom Arthurs and Björn Meyer propose an improvised folk music for the 21st century, drawing on infinite influence, extensive experience, and an instinct and musicality second to none. "Six" - a one-take improvisation covering this and more was released in 2023.
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Tom Arthurs and Giovanna Pessi
Harpist Giovanna Pessi and trumpeter Tom Arthurs first met in 2012, through the international milieu of ECM-connected artists. They have been working intensively together as a duo since September 2020 - honing an exquisite, intimate and moving programme of hidden gems from Chile's Parra family, composers Kapsberger, Händel and de Macque, Ugandan field recordings, and works from Tom's own pen. Their criteria in these complex and ever-changing times was simple, only that their music-making should be beautiful, enjoyable, heart-warming and clear - as Indian musician Gita Sarabhai allegedly told to John Cage, perpetuating the mantra that the purpose of music is to "sober and quiet the mind and make it susceptible to divine influences”. Following a weekend of microconcerts in the immaculate surroundings of Bern's Buchhandlung zum Zytglogge, and a surprise concert in the incredible Castello di Castagneto Carducci, concerts and recordings can be expected soon. Promoters please click here for more information.
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Tom Arthurs Solo
Whether in nature, art galleries or more traditional spaces, Tom has been investigating the many possibilities of solo-playing for some time now. Described by one audience member as "not so much a solo but a duet with the universe", Tom hopes to create an intimate and deeply moving experience in each case... creating unique responses to the minutiae of each situation, space and time.
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QUAIRÓS with Markus Pesonen, Miles Perkin and Janne Tuomi
"In Greek mythology, the word QUAIRÓS/Kairos refers to the opportune moment to make a decision which, when not used, can have adverse consequences. VELA, the sails of a ship, represent a constellation in the southern sky. The four musicians heard here chose the right moment to publish their music. QUAIRÓS creates marvelous sounds bridging jazz and avant-garde. Have a listen and decide for yourself!" (Ulli Blobel, Jazzwerkstatt Records)
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GLUE with Miles Perkin and Yorgos Dimitriadis
"Deep listening, measured, a complex dance of seduction." (Monsieur Delire). ''It’s about a variety of changing, finely nuanced soundcolours, and intensity at low volume. A music that exudes calmness, relaxation, serenity and openness. There are no dogmas, no prohibitions and no taboos. The pieces almost always begin with a clean slate, with a silence from which acoustic structures are carved like sculptures. The musicians are simultaneously performers and listeners, allowing the music space and finding surprise in whatever comes into being between them.'' (Klaus Kürvers). Also available in quartet with turntablist Ignaz Schick.
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Pedesis with Biliana Voutchkova and Markus Pesonen
A micro-orchestral experience of infinitesimal variation and crystal-clear complexity, three internationally renowned performer-composers congregate in Berlin. Spectral stretches and filigraine augmentations. Captivating, surprising, moving. Between states, between mysteries.
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Tom Arthurs and Simon Vincent
Tom Arthurs and Simon Vincent (live electronics) have been friends and collaborators since around 1999. Following first meetings in London, their music has quietly and organically developed through occasional recordings and concerts, mainly since their reconnection in Berlin in 2008. Entirely improvised and focusing on extreme subtleties of sound and interaction, their music consists of beautifully crafted textures and gestures, rich in surprising dynamics, and which are not afraid of taking their time to unfold. Real Time Sound Sculpting Vol. 1 was released by Vision of Sound in late 2016.
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Marc Schmolling's Ticho w. Almut Kühne (voice) and Marc Schmolling (piano) Vaucanson's Muse w. Isambard Khroustaliov (aka Sam Britton) Circuit Training w. Ignaz Schick (turntables), Achim Kaufmann (piano), Marta Zapparoli (electronics), Eliad Wagner (electronics), Benjamin Weidekamp (reeds), Klaus Kürvers (bass) and Alexandre Babel (percussion) Miles Perkin Quartet w. Miles Perkin (bass), Benoît Delbecq (piano) and Thom Gossage (drums)
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Tom is currently head of the Jazz and Contemporary Music department at Bern University of the Arts, Switzerland. His PhD, 'The Secret Gardeners: An Ethnography of Improvised Music in Berlin (2012-13)' can be downloaded here (2015, University of Edinburgh, under Prof. Simon Frith). In addition to Tom's work in Bern, in 2016 he was Guest Professor for Trumpet and Ensembles at Jazz Institut Berlin, and he has given seminars, papers and workshops at institutions including International Jazz Platform (Lodz), Universität der Künste (Berlin), FU Potsdam, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Uppingham School, and the F-IRE collective summer course. A series of Debate Concerts and Workshops with H3B in France inspired the format of a short performance followed by open discussion and sympathetic improvisation with local musicians and this format is available with many current projects. As a writer and musician, Tom is also a key member of French bassist Sébastien Boisseau's 'Musique de Salon', which brings Improvised Music into the homes and community spaces of those who wouldn't otherwise have access to it.