Paul Towndrow presents Charlie Parker with Strings for Glasgow concert series
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Fresh interpretations of the landmark Charlie Parker with Strings recordings by alto saxophonist Paul Towndrow, a summit meeting of three of Scotland's leading pianists and a rare presentation of poetry and music by one of the UK's most decorated poets launch a new series of jazz concerts in one of Glasgow's most impressive venues, beginning on Sunday 11 February.
The magnificent Grand Hall in the Merchants House of Glasgow, which dates back to the 17th century, will host the monthly events, altoist Towndrow kicking things off with a sixteen-piece orchestra plus rhythm section comprised of top Scottish players. Glasgow-born Towndrow, who has also worked with the Bad Plus and soul giant Ben E King, has previously performed the Charlie Parker with Strings repertoire at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and will be introducing specially written new arrangements here.
Following this pianists Steve Hamilton (a current touring sideman with fusion drum master Billy Cobham), Paul Harrison and Tom Gibbs will perform solo and in collaboration on Sunday 11 March. Next up is Don Paterson, (founder of renowned Celtic jazz group Lammas with saxophonist Tim Garland) before concentrating on his career as a multi-award-winning poet, returned to music with a new group, the Don Paterson Situation in 2016. Generally wary of combining poetry with jazz in concert, Paterson will read some of his poems as well as showcasing new compositions and an unusual choice of pop covers on Sunday 15 April.
Scottish band New Focus, the saxophone and piano duo Tommy Smith and Brian Kellock and a new commission featuring Towndrow are also set to appear as part of the series during the summer.
– Rob Adams
Tickets for the opening concert are available now from EventBrite. All concerts will begin at 8:00pm