MA + LOUP + WEBSTER / HOLUB / MCLAREN

MA.
‘MA.’ comprises four musicians (Tom Challenger – Tenor Saxophone; Ross Stanley – Organ and Keyboards; Dave Smith – Percussion; Matt Calvert – Electronics), seeking to combine their ability as improvisers and performers to produce a sound that belies the size and instrumentation of the group.

After forming initially as a trio, the band successfully released their debut album, ‘JYKETIE’ in 2008. Recorded in one day in a back room at the infamous (and now sadly defunct) Red Rose Social Club in Finsbury Park, the album is testament to the blistering highs and earthy lows the band regularly achieves whilst in performance. The album received glowing reviews.

Following on from the success of their collaboration with drummer/sound manipulator Steve Arguelles, ‘MA.’ added the electronics of ‘Three Trapped Tigers’ multi instrumentalist and long term friend Matt Calvert.

Ma. are sure to carve out their own space within Europe’s electronic/improvisation landscape, with a distinctive sound moving between serene Boards Of Canada-esque layers, explosive noise-improv in the vein of Norway’s Supersilent, Tortoise-style beats and dark, abstract dub soundworlds. With members of Red Snapper, Three Trapped Tigers, The Heritage Orchestra, Outhouse and Nostalgia 77 it’s not surprising that their heady, often Messiaen-inspired material is subject to such a multi-pronged interpretation.

They have recently broadcast on BBC radio 3 and have a new album slated for release in 2011.

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LOUP

LOUP is a free jazz/ drone/ noise duo based in Lyon, France.

Clement Edouard (Irene, Lunatic Toys, AM-PM,...) plays sax and electronics.
Sheik Anorak (SoCRaTeS, Neige Morte, Kandinsky...) plays drums and guitar.

After they supported Chris Corsano' s Rangda and played a few gigs, LOUP recorded their debut record.
This recording is now available on CD via Gaffer Records since october 2010.

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WEBSTER / HOLUB / MCLAREN

The trio of saxophonist Colin Webster, drummer Mark Holub, and keysman Toby McLaren create improvisations that explore the boundaries of colour and form, bringing together acoustic and electronic elements. Their music is an often dark and intensely raucous stew of de-tuned analogue keyboards, abrasive tenor saxophone squalls, and hyperkinetic drumming.. yet can be brought to abrupt standstills and moments of meditation. Their CD-R 'Koi Bombs' will be released in early 2011 on the Gaffer label.

“The sticksman and keysman from Led Bib are joined by the saxman from Chik Budo, for a full-on attack of raucous free-improv, punk-jazz and other hyphenated music genres.” - Land Of Kings Festival