Hawkins-Mitchener Quartet

This quartet represents the first major collaboration of two of the most distinctive voices of their generation, and stakes out a remarkable common ground from the pair’s vast range of influences and experience. The repertoire fuses Mitchener’s unique way with both melody and abstraction, with Hawkins’ idiosyncratic compositional and pianistic world; as well as spotlighting reimaginings of a small number of non-original songs which reveal the influence of precursors such as Abbey Lincoln, Jeanne Lee and Linda Sharrock. Structurally, the group function as complete equals, veering radically from the traditional norm of ‘singer plus rhythm section’, instead treating this as only one possible dynamic amongst many.

Neil Charles, double bass
Stephen Davis, drums
Alexander Hawkins, piano
Elaine Mitchener, voice

For bookings, please contact:
Lee Paterson
info@gogobetween.com
T: +44 (0)7947 103892
www.lifeisjazz.com

Reviews

“Rhythmic turbulence, focussed harmonic distortion and dynamic interplay all bear down on Uproot but Hawkins and Mitchener also understand that the so-called avant-garde is nothing if not melodic and that beauty can occur when serenity dovetails ferocity.” – Jazzwise Magazine

The brilliance and urgency, the openness and the irresistible inner swing of the movement captivated the audience (…) the group took the audience as its fifth member on a stunning many-sided sonic tour. (…) The musical action went beyond known limits‘ – All About Jazz

These were remarkable reinventions by two fearless originals’ – The Guardian

Their performance was as stunning as it was fresh’ – Financial Times

Credit: Monika S. Jakubowska

Credit: Monika S. Jakubowska

 

Discography

UpRoot

Hawkins-Mitchener Quartet released their first album in November 2017 on the Swiss label Intakt.  The CD includes original compositions to text by Lyn Hejinian, Rumi and others alongside reworkings of songs by Patty Waters and Archie Shepp.

Purchase the album: UpRoot

Previous dates:

Just Music Festival (Wiesbaden, Germany), March 2020
Bimhuis (Netherlands), December 2018
Festival Jazzdor (France), November 2018
Ai Confini Tra Sardegna E Jazz (Italy), September 2018
Cheltenham Jazz Festival (UK), May 2018
Cafe Oto (UK), April 2018
Sonorities Festival (UK), April 2018
Artacts Festival (Austria), March 2018
Kings Place (UK), January 2018
Cafe Oto (UK), January 2017
Jazz Festival Münster (Germany), January 2017
Millenium Centre (UK), December 2016
Jazz in the Round (UK), November 2016