JITR March: The W feat. Maria Chiara Argirò + more TBA

Described by the Guardian as 'eclectic, eccentric and unobtrusively erudite', pianist Dr. Bruno Heinen is equally at home supporting Lee Konitz or Roy Hargrove at the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club as he is playing with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. The W, features Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra) on vocals, Andrea Di Biase (Kenny Wheeler) on bass, and Gene Calderazzo (Pharoah Sanders, Freddie Hubbard) on drums. They will be performing material from their forthcoming album inspired by Bartók's Mikrokosmos, using cells and ideas taken from book 6 of this work, as well as lyrics in the form of quotes from Bartók himself. The record has been lovingly produced by jazz/electronica artist Maria Chiara Argirò:

 

The W is a newly established London-based contemporary jazz quartet of outstanding musicality creating chamber jazz that is as exciting and inventive, as it is elegant and sophisticated. As vocalist for the Cinematic Orchestra for over 15 years and the go-to vocalist for acts such as Thundercat and Soweto Kinch, Heidi Vogel has long been a critics choice for her extraordinary voice and velvet tone. Her sublime vocals bring a contemporary, stylish sound to The W. On drums is London-based New Yorker Gene Calderazzo, a leading figure on the international jazz scene whose vast portfolio includes performances with Pharoah Sanders, Radiohead and Freddie Hubbard to name a few. On double bass is Italian Andrea Di Biase who has performed with many leading figures in British jazz such as Stan Sultzman, Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler. The group is led by composer and improvising pianist, Bruno Heinen, who has worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, ESKA, and the London Symphony Orchestra. The Independent describes him as a consistently intelligent linking voice, a fair summation of the way in which he brings these four unique musicians together through his original compositions. Like the four equal lines that make up the letter ‘W’, the four members of the group come together as one to create a perfectly balanced and compelling new sound. They are a band in the true sense of the word. They meet regularly, learning the music by heart and shaping Bruno’s distinctive compositions together.