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 re-imaginings of a number of non original songs (including Patty Waters – You Thrill Me, Why Is Love Such a Funny Thing and Archie Shepp – Blasé) which reveal the influence of precursors such as 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
Steve Davis / drums
Alexander Hawkins / piano, compositions
Elaine Mitchener / voice
28 Nov 16 – Jazz in the Round – Cockpit Theatre, London
10 December 16 – FFRESH Welsh Millennium Centre, Cardiff
7 Jan 17 – Jazz Festival Münster, Germany
9 Jan 17 – Cafe Oto, London