Leeds Expo

So I just got back from playing at Holy Trinity Church in Leeds with the Huddersfield Experimental Laptop Orchestra and the inclusive improv collective. All part of the Leeds Expo which looks really good (can’t make it to anything else due to other gigs unfortunately).

First off, our very own Ben Cottrell performed Oliver Carmen’s piece ‘Converging’ for Baritone Saxophone with electronic backing. Sounded great with the acoustics of the church from where I was.

Then we went on, all 16 of us (roughly half and half laptops and acoustic instruments). From where I was it was difficult to work out which sounds were coming from who, but I guess that’s the beauty of it and it was quite rewarding to sit and take in the wash of sounds. I really enjoyed it, and it was my first time playing acoustic guitar in a long time which was nice. As probably could have been predicted, we suffered a little from “large ensemble syndrome” meaning there were a couple of nice ending points that weren’t taken, and Ben said it was all very quite from in the audience, but there were some really great moments and it was all filmed so watch this space (or, even better, the inclusive improv site) as that should be online in a week or two.

I think that’s it really, massive thanks to Scott and the guys for inviting me to play with them, I’ll leave Ben to tell you how the rest of the day went as I had to take off back to Manchester for the Takahashi’s Shellfish Concern gig tonight. More on that project in the not-too-distant-future…

Rodrigo Constanzo/PA Tremblay

…have recorded an album together called “Drum And Bass: And The Horse You Rode In On”

They will be performing live to celebrate this fact on Sunday 27th September in Fuel Cafe Bar, Withington at 8:00pm, as a special ‘The Noise Upstairs’ event.

Special guest performances from ‘inclusive improv’ – an ensemble hand-picked from the regular nights in Huddersfield. And ‘Token Otter’ – Josh Kopecek (laptop), Ben Cottrell (saxophone) and Anton Hunter (guitar).

Be there.

The Noise Upstairs presents…

Touring Danish improv groups Shiggajon, Dreamer’s Cloth and Mouths Of The Irrawaddy alongside local favourites Part Wilh Horse’s Mane on Both Sides.

Wednesday 30th September, 7:30pm (prompt)
£5/4adv
Kro Bar, Oxford Rd.

Full info and advance tickets from here.

Token Otter @ Manchester Academy 3

Free improv trio featuring Ben Cottrell on saxophone, Anton Hunter on guitar and Josh Kopecek on laptop, supporting Peter Broderick at Manchester Academy 3. Click here for more info.

Anton Hunter and Graham South @ The Hilary Step

Guitar and trumpet duo playing a mixture of original compositions, standards and more than their fair share of Theolonius Monk tunes. Free entry and great ale.

The Hilary Step, Whalley Range, M16 0BH