Jessica Ackerley and Eli Wallace

Two acclaimed improvisers based in the USA. Bending the guitar and piano into strange new shapes respectively, they will be touring the UK and playing with various UK-based improvisers. At this show Rachel Musson will be joining them on saxophone as a special guest.

+ SUPPORT FROM

Duffin

Duffin is a UK-based musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work bridges experimental electronics, jazz textures, and leftfield pop. A former member of Virginia Wing and one half of XAM Duo, he produces under his own name and as Beautiful Lunches. He plays live and collaborates with James Holden, Drahla, and Yard Act. His work has drawn critical attention for its intensity and originality: Pitchfork noted his “crucial corrupting influence” and ability to “wield his sax like a flamethrower,” while The Wire described him as a “slippery antagonist.”

& YMA

A Leeds based band founded by opera & jazz singer and improviser Milana Sarukhanyan. Alongside Teruki Chan (drums), Harvey Parkin-Christie (saxophone), and Ben Finlay (cello/double bass/keyboard) the main musical inspiration in forming the band was to bring each members’ unique style of improvisation together into compositions. Their initial programme explored jazz ballads and show tunes such us ‘My funny Valentine’ and ‘Always true to you darling in my fashion’ which they debuted in Wharf Chambers in Leeds. The idea was received extremely well and was described as ‘full of humour and satire’ and ‘unexpected new forms and developments’. The name YMA comes from Milana’s admiration of Peruvian singer Yma Sumac whose voice and artistic decisions shook the world with her free musical expressions and impeccable vocal skills.