Freedom Principle – Johnny Hunter Group

For the last Freedom Principle before our Summer break we’re pleased to present the debut performance by the Johnny Hunter Group. You may well have seen drummer Johnny perform with Skamel, Marley Chingus or the Dub Jazz Soundsystem, or at the free improvisation Noise Upstairs events. With those influences combined with the talents of some of Manchester’s most in-demand emerging musicians, a storming night is guaranteed!

Ben Watte (saxophone), Graham South (trumpet), Stewart Wilson (bass), Johnny Hunter (drums)

www.johnnyhuntermusic.com/

Claire James Trio on Radio 3

The Claire James Trio recently performed at a Proms Plus event at the Royal Albert Hall during the annual Proms season, and the live recording of the title track from their debut EP ‘Lines‘ was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 last week – you’ve got until tomorrow evening (Wednesday 3rd) to listen online via BBC iPlayer or take a listen to it below.

Claire James Trio – Lines (live at Proms Plus 22nd July 2011) by Efpi Records

Its been a busy couple of weeks for the trio – as well as the recording of ‘Lines’ and the Proms Plus performance, they also played at the Manchester Jazz Festival last week. There’s some great photos of the gig by Phil Portus up on flickr, there’s one below and check the rest out here.

And don’t forget to listen/download ‘Lines‘ if you haven’t already…

Claire James Trio – Lines

Efpi Records is delighted to present ‘Lines‘, the debut EP by the Claire James Trio – an exciting young piano trio led by Claire alongside Stewart Wilson on bass and Jim Molyneux on drums.

The trio brings together three musicians who take the fluent techniques and subtleties of sound gained from their classical training and apply them brilliantly to a contemporary jazz setting. As a pianist and composer Claire is influenced by British greats such as John Taylor and Nikki Iles as well as the rhythmic groove of Zoe Rahman, leading to an ensemble sound that is versatile and dynamic whilst continually evolving.

‘Lines’ features four of Claire’s original compositions and will be released on Monday 25th July 2011, available as a handmade CD and download through the Efpi online shop. You’ll also be able to purchase the CD at their gig at the Manchester Jazz Festival on the same day – they perform at 3pm in the Festival Pavilion in Albert Square, entry is free (more details here).

To whet your appetite for the release of ‘Lines’, check out the trio’s version of Nick Drake’s ‘Three Hours’ below (recorded in the same session) and check back on Monday to be amongst the first to hear the full EP!

Claire James Trio – Three Hours by Efpi Records