Alexander Hawkins is a key figure in the international scene, a pianist with an enormous scope who’s widely recognized as an innovator. With his trio he provides a new perspective on the tried and tested line-up of piano double bass and drums. Their recent album Carnival Celestial, which appeared on numerous year-end lists in 2023, is an amalgamation of influences, from traditional to electronic. ‘A stellar release,’ according to The Wire. ‘Alexander Hawkins radically reconceives the jazz piano trio.’

Alexander Hawkins has performed on our stage in various line-ups and very different genres, from ethio-jazz with Mulatu Astatke to hardcore improv with Han Bennink. Now he will play with his main trio featuring double bassist Neil Charles and drummer Stephen Davis. They previously formed quartets with Elaine Mitchener, Anthony Braxton, John Surman, and Shabaka Hutchings. Neil Charles, also known as a producer under the alias Ben Marc, has worked with, among others, Jack DeJohnette, Courtney Pine and Gabriels. Stephen Davis plays with major improvisors such as Evan Parker, Kris Davis and Paul Dunmall.

Alexander Hawkins piano, Neil Charles double bass, Stephen Davis drums