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Haftor Medbøe Group

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Personnel:

Haftor Medbøe – guitars
Konrad Wiszniewski – saxophones
Chris Greive – trombone
Eva Malling – acoustic bass
Signy Jakobsdottir – percussion
with many featured guests

Profile:

Haftor Medbøe Group has rapidly become a mainstay of the Scottish Jazz Scene both headlining and supporting visiting artists such as Esbjorn Svensson Trio and Bill Frisell. With roots in Norway, Iceland, Poland and Australia the group brings a fresh and invigourating approach by fusing contemporary sound worlds with strong melodies over driving grooves. Taking inspiration from Scottish bands Mogwai, Cocteau Twins and Boards of Canada, HMG brings jazz with an edge to a new and eager audience.

Links:

Official WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Martin Kershaw

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Personnel:

Martin Kershaw – alto, soprano saxophone
Robert McFall – electric violin
Brian Schiele – electric viola
Su-a Lee – electric cello
Ryan Quigley – trumpet
Phil O’Malley – trombone
Bill Flemming – baritone saxophone
Paul Harrison – piano/keyboards
Calum Gourlay – bass;
Stuart Brown – drums

Profile:

Having returned to Edinburgh in 1999 after two years as a scholarship student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Boston, U.S.A., Martin quickly re-established himself on the Scottish scene. As sideman, he has performed alongside all the top names in Scotland, including Brian Kellock, Mario Caribe, Tommy Smith, Colin Steele, Tom Bancroft, Graeme Stephen, Ryan Quigley, Nigel Clark, Carol Kidd, Paul Harrison, Chris Stout, Kevin McKenzie and Tom MacNiven. Since 2004, he has held the 1st Alto chair in the celebrated Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Winner of the Best New Project category in the 2009 Scottish Jazz Awards, and inspired by the amazing creations of Edinburgh born artist, Eduardo Paolozzi, Hero as Riddle is a suite of music for 10 musicians composed by renowned saxophonist Martin Kershaw.

Links:

Official Website

Graeme Stephen Sextet

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Personnel:

Graeme Stephen – guitar
Ben Davis – cello
Chris Stout – violin
Fraser Fifield – soprano sax/kaval
Martin Kershaw – alto sax
Mario Caribe – bass
Stuart Ritchie – drums

Profile:

The Graeme Stephen Sextet features some of the most creative and in-demand musicians on the British folk, classical and jazz scenes. The music draws on these influences creating an eclectic mix of styles. The album Vantage Points is inspired by locations throughout Scotland. Described as one of the most creative musicians in the UK, Graeme has won various awards including the Jazz Services Promoters’ Choice Award and was chosen for the Serious/PRS Take 5 initiative in 2008.

Links:

Official Website

Konrad Wiszniewski

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Personnel:

Konrad Wiszniewski – saxophone
Kevin MacKenzie – guitar
Paul Harrison – piano
Mario Caribe – bass
John Rae – drums

Profile:

Konrad Wiszniewski’s sublime playing encompasses a century of jazz history making him one of the most sought after saxophonists in Scotland and beyond. His understanding and versatility have opened the door to his working with a wide variety of artists. Recent tours have inlcuded Pascal Schumacher Group (Germany/Luxembourg), Mark McKnight (Ireland), Paul Towndrow Sextet (UK), Haftor Medbøe Group, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and numerous appearances on BBC Radio.

Links:

Official Website

Loose Grip

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Personnel:

John Burgess – tenor saxophone
Malcolm MacFarlane – guitar
Sean Pentland – double bass
Chris Wallace – drums

Profile:

Loose Grip is the new project led by drummer Chris Wallace. He put the group together in April of 2009 upon his return to Scotland after 2 years living in The Netherlands. After a quick demo recording the band were awarded a recording grant from the Scottish Arts Council to create their debut album. In December 2009 Loose Grip went in to Castlesound studios in Pencaitland, Scotland to record “Looking Glass” which features the playing of 2009 Scottish Jazz Award winner Malcolm MacFarlane on guitar, saxophone powerhouse John Burgess on tenor and up and coming young American bassist Sean Pentland. The music on offer within Looking Glass is unique. Listeners can expect to hear modern contemporary sounds, sometimes reminiscent of John Scofield and Joe Lovano, other times akin to Chris Potter or the Dave Holland Quintet, indeed all these artists and many more have asserted influence on the musicians involved. However, Loose Grip and Wallace’s compositions defy categorization.

Links:

Official Website

The Discordian Trio

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Personnel:

Jack Weir – Guitar
Craig Macfadyen – Bass
Richard Kass – Drums

Profile:

The Discordian Trio displays a forward thinking approach, combining a heady cocktail of influences, from the traditional to the avant-garde. The band’s blend of fusion and free-jazz is coupled with a hard-edged intensity that lends itself well to the ‘power trio’ format.

Links:

Official Website