Jazz Services - A voice for jazz

2 Empire Mews

Streatham

London

SW16 2ED  Map

 

()

The Orient House Ensemble, nominated in the Best British Band category at this year¹s BBC Jazz Awards, has grown into one of the most inspiring and talented groups in the UK. This tour coincides with the release of its new album, musiK: Rearranging the Twentieth Century. On musiK the benefits of the group's tireless concert schedule are revealed: it has never sounded better or so intuitive. Gilad himself is now producing one of the most glorious clarinet and saxophone sounds in Europe. Raised as a secular Israeli Jew in Jerusalem, Gilad witnessed and empathised with the daily sufferings of Palestinians and spent 20 years trying to resolve for himself the tensions of his background. Finally disillusioned, he moved away from Israel and came to England to study philosophy. On meeting Asaf Sirkis, a drummer from his homeland, Gilad recovered an interest in playing the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe that had been in the back of his mind for years. He founded the Orient House Ensemble and started re-defining his own roots in the light of political reality. He now regards himself as a devoted political artist. Gilad draws on both his native and adopted cultures to produce music that is both meaningful and entertaining. musiK, his fourth album for Enja records, encapsulates social and philosophical ideas and brings together a wealth of musical styles. It¹s a celebration of music and humanity, a highly evocative album, offering snapshots of music and ideas that take the listener on a geographic and emotional journey: this tour aims to translate that into a live environment. As a member of the Blockheads, Gilad has recorded and performed with, amongst others, Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. As a bandleader and reed player he has been amazing his listeners with his powerful personal style that combines great bebop artistry and Middle-Eastern roots in a sophisticated, sometimes ironical manner. Influenced by Cannonball Adderley's powerful approach on the sax, Gilad's live performances are simply breathtaking and overwhelming.

 

Saturday, May 05, 2012

9.00pm

£12.00

020 8835 7070