The Sheffield based - J[a]B[a]W - are a free improvisational outfit featuring eclectic, hybrid instrumentation and vocalisation, creating an organic mash-up veering from delicate abstraction through insistent sonic curiosity to strident rhythmic statement.

They first met whilst playing with Mick Beck’s large improvising group The Gated Community. They subsequently went to play together as part of several ad hoc line-ups. They are currently all members of The Merseyside Improvisers’ Orchestra (despite all living in Sheffield).

John Jasnoch (guitars, mandolin)
Geoff Bright ( voice, soprano and bass saxophones, novelty instruments)
Gillian Whiteley (voice, violin, accordions, recorder, hurdy-gurdy)

The Blank Canvas Octet is a project exploring free improvisation in music in a large ensemble context. It uses the ‘system 50:50` - where chess clocks are used to bring cohesion to the sound field which can often become cluttered. The result is a dynamic and shifting canvas of sound that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project to participate in, to witness and to hear.

On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openess allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.” - Charlie Collins, improviser, Sheffield.

Another point of listening comes from Simon Ross, Macclesfield. `System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well`

The Blank Canvas Octet on this night will feature the following, more or less,

CLAYTON JACKSON, electronics and objects

IAN SIMPSON, guitar

MARTIN HACKETT, Korg MS - Oxford Improvisers.

METTY METCALFE, drum set

NICK BRANTON, reeds

PHIL MORTON, accidents and treatments, bio

SIMON ROSS, bass

TIM WISE, reeds

The venue: The Ship & Mitre, 133 Dale Street Liverpool. L2 2JH - The upstairs function room
Date: Sunday 19th January 2020, door 19.45 - Concert starts 20.00
Admission: £5.00 - [eventbrite link to follow]