Arun Ghosh Quintet + Asaf Sirkis Trio feat. Kit Downes

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Asaf Sirkis Trio ● Arun Ghosh Quintet 

Double Bill (2 x 60 mins) 

Asaf Sirkis Trio

Asaf Sirkis – drums
Kit Downes – organ, keyboards
Yaron Stavi – bass guitar

At times muscular and thunderous, at others fragile and delicate, Israeli-born Asaf, a highly inventive drummer and composer, brings his new power trio to mjf. Searching harmonies and cyclic sequences in the compositions recall both the ’70s prog-jazz-rock of Yes and John McLaughlin and the French 20th century classical organist-composers Messiaen and Duruflé. Temporarily replacing their guitarist for this gig is 2010 Mercury Music Prize nominee Kit Downes, who complements the band’s swirling, spinning and hypnotic music perfectly, slowly but surely building momentum, pulling the listener in and along for the intense and uneasy ride. 

Arun Ghosh Quintet 

Arun Ghosh – clarinet
Idris Rahman – bass clarinet, tenor saxophone
Corey Mwamba – vibraphone
Sylvan Richardson – bass guitar
Myke Wilson – drums

The second half of this concert offers a distinct cultural and sonic contrast, though equally intense. Conceived in Calcutta, born in Bolton, matured in Manchester and now living in London – Arun brings his rich geographical heritage to this group, mixing his trademark Indo-jazz fused clarinet frontline with Corey’s dazzling, frenetic vibes work and a stellar Mancunian rhythm team. Expect joyous, soaring lyrical lines layered over deceptively simple riffs and tight, rocking urban beats.  

* You can also hear the band playing live on Jazz on 3 on Monday 26th July – tune in to BBC Radio 3 from 11.15pm.

Presented in association with Manchester Jazz Festival