Jazz breaking news: Mike Westbrook bites back with The Serpent Hit
Friday, September 20, 2013
Composer, pianist and arranger Mike Westbrook and vocalist and lyricist Kate Westbrook (pictured left) are bringing their latest work, The Serpent Hit – a harrowing glimpse into the future – to Wilton’s Music Hall, in London’s borough of Tower Hamlets, on 1 October, as they launch the album of the same name and celebrate 40 years of working together.
During this time the British couple have developed a huge range of original repertoire, as well as adapting works that include European poetry and medieval text, and have performed to audiences worldwide. Kate’s unique writing and vocal art encompass a wide variety of multilingual material, from opera to cabaret and contemporary pop to jazz. Mike’s work is equally eclectic and often questioning, leading both small groups and big bands, blending classical and jazz, and providing musical settings for song, poetry and socio-politics. The couple’s past subject matter has ranged from haunting reflections on European history (in London Bridge is Broken Down) to the correct way to make a trifle (English Soup).
This time the lyricist spins a tale of the fall of mankind in a world set on self-destruction. Though the profound subject matter may be dark and unsettling, the drama is also set to be bound with humour and tinged with irony. Set to music composed for the Westbrooks’ quintet of saxophonists Chris Biscoe, Chris Caldwell, Karen Street, Andy Tweed, and drummer Simon Pearson, the score draws on music ranging from contemporary jazz to a traditional music hall sound, as might have been heard 150 years ago in Wilton’s ‘Magnificent New Music Hall’.
The Westbrook Trio, featuring Kate and Mike Westbook along with saxophonist Chris Biscoe, will also be staring on the night, themselves celebrating three decades of playing original compositions, poetic adaptations and jazz standards together. The Serpent Hit will be performed at Wilton’s Music Hall, London, and launched in album form, on 1 October.
– Celeste Cantor-Stephens
Tickets and further information are available from www.wiltons.org.uk