Mark Lockheart is one of the UK’s most distinctive and forward-thinking saxophonists and composers, celebrated for his fearless creativity and genre-defying collaborations. Whether leading ambitious orchestral jazz projects, reshaping Ellington for the 21st century, or blending electronics with acoustic improvisation, Lockheart has continually reimagined what British jazz can be.
Lockheart first came to prominence with the pioneering big band Loose Tubes, before going on to shape the UK scene through projects such as Perfect Houseplants and the Mercury Prize-nominated Polar Bear. With Polar Bear, he recorded six groundbreaking albums over twelve years — including Held on the Tips of Fingers (Mercury nomination, 2005) and In Each and Every Way (Mercury nomination, 2013) — and the group also received a MOBO Award nomination in 2004. These recordings became touchstones of British jazz’s modern renaissance.
Shapeshifter is a new trio also featuring two other very special creative voices of the UK scene: Huw V Williams (bass) and Jay Davis (drums).
Creating a unique sonic experience this new trio shifts moment to moment, gracefully and spontaneously stitching together sound landscapes and grooves. The three members share the writing credits alongside a few carefully chosen works by Bill Frisell, Joe Henderson and Paul Motion. Taking the exploratory spirit of groups like Polar Bear and Malija the band move together through a common language of jazz, rock, classical and free improvisation exploring dark textures and dramatic musical shifts as they revel in the unexpected!
“a compellingly varied set joining rhythmically ingenious minimalism, funky hooks, dreamy ambient sounds over arco bass drones, three freely-improvised pieces, and much more.”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first-come, first-served.