• TIMINGS

In ’08, Mancunian Matthew Halsall established the now renowned Gondwana Records to document the vibrant jazz scene in his hometown. As a trumpet player, composer and producer himself, he released a handful of albums on the label but he also cultivated an impressive international roster. He thereby launched (young) talent like GoGo Penguin, Portico Quartet, Mammal Hands, Phil France, Vega Trails and most recently even national heroes STUFF. His territory became the world and jazz was more a point of departure with strong nods to minimalism, electronica and even classical music.

On the occasion of its 15th birthday, the label is heading to AB with a true musical caravan. ‘The AB has long been our spiritual home in Europe and regularly hosts Gondwana artists…’ After so many fine words, refusal was not an option. Our slavish love for the label did the rest. On the programme:

HANIA RANI (pl)

Now highly awarded Polish pianist, composer and singer. Her debut ‘Esja’ (2019) – an enchanting collection of solo piano pieces – received immediate international acclaim. She injected successor ‘Home’ (2020) with vocals and subtle electronica. She has since collaborated with international top artists like Portico Quartet, Christian Löffler and Ólafur Arnalds. Her latest album ’I Giacometti’ – a soundtrack – was described by Boomkat as ‘a gorgeous full-length that dissolves faint electronic elements into dampened piano motifs. One for fans of Goldmund or Nils Frahm.’

MATTHEW HALSALL (uk)

Gondwana overlord who, for 15 years, has been creating a unique sound world that connects the spiritual jazz of Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane with the contemporary sounds of Bonobo and The Cinematic Orchestra. His output of eight (!) albums already is living proof of that. On the programme: music from his upcoming album ‘An Ever Changing View’ and gems from his back-catalogue.

JASMINE MYRA (uk)

Jasmine Myra is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader based in Leeds. She is part of a vibrant, creative, cross-genre music scene there. She says she is influenced by Bonobo, Ólafur Arnalds and Kenny Wheeler. London Jazz News on her album ‘Horizons’: ‘This music is beautiful and profound.’

SVANEBORG KARDYB (d)

Svaneborg Kardyb draws as much from Danish folk music as the rich tradition of Scandinavian jazz. Think Esbjörn Svennson and also Jan Johansson’s landmark ‘Jazz På Svenska’. Louder Than War on their album ‘Over Tage’: ‘warm, organic and highly original.’

MARI* GONDWANA RECORDS DJ (uk)

Just like the previous celebration of Gondwana 10, we stretch our legs until 1 AM.