Shame on us. For a couple of weeks now, we’ve been sitting on a half finished review of Matthew Halsall‘s third album (entitled ‘On The Go‘ ) which was released last month on Gondwana Records. The simple matter of fact is apart from the words ‘IT’S ACE’ written in big at the top of the unpublished post, it’s been pretty difficult finding the time to actually sit down and devote enough thought to explaining why it’s so great. But then again, we shouldn’t really need to, at the end of the day it’s a Matthew Halsall release and the man is on a bit of a run of late.
Already lauded by the likes of Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum on their respective BBC radio shows, the Manchester based trumpeter has more than a few strings to his bow. Not only is he currently one of the UK’s brightest lights on the British jazz scene bringing a warm and often spiritual tone to his music, he’s also an accomplished DJ, arranger, producer and label owner (the aforementioned Gondwana, also home to the equally gifted saxophonist Nat Birchall) and tonight sees him return to The Vortex Jazz Club in East London to kick off the first of four nationwide dates and launch a new project.
As the name would suggest Matthew Halsall: Remixed is just a little different from his previous, more contemporary live shows. Taking cues from his love of the more hip-hop infused jazz produced by the likes of Madlib, Erik Truffaz and St Germain, the show pairs Halsall’s emotive trumpet playing with a four piece of beatbox, bass, turntables and MC in an attempt to present fresh takes of his material and push them in a more melodic dance music direction. Soundscapes built around loops, chords and samples direct from Kristian Gjerstad‘s decks will create a beat-driven background for Halsall to play over, whilst Baba Israel (MC), Jason Singh (Beatbox) and Clive Hunte (Bass) supplement the music with their own unique talents. There are still a few tickets available to purchase for The Vortex gig which are currently priced at just £10 over at WeGotTickets.
All the details:
Matthew Halsall: Remixed
Live at:
The Vortex Jazz Club
11 Gillett Square,
Dalston
London
N16 8AZ
Website
Doors 8pm – 11.30pm
Line up:
Matthew Halsall – Trumpet
Jason Singh – Beatbox
Kristian Gjerstad – Turntables
Clive Hunte – Bass
Baba Israel – MC
Future UK dates for Matthew Halsall: Remixed
5th August 2011 – Big Chill Festival
13th August 2011 – Brecon Jazz Festival
27thy August 2011 – Aeon Festival