Exchange with the London Jazz Festival, featuring the promising pianist Andrew McCormack, fanatic young Roller Trio and the adventurous pianist John Escreet with his New York band.

In BIMHUIS CITY LINKS collaborations will be established with vibrant jazz scenes from all over the world. British super talents are the focus of CITY LINKS: LONDON-AMSTERDAM #2, an exchange project with the London Jazz Festival. On this festival at the Barbican in London several Dutch bands will perform while at the same time great British musicians will come to the Bimhuis: Andrew McCormack, Roller Trio and John Escreet.

The concert opens with a solo set by pianist Andrew McCormack, who’s on the verge of an international breakthrough following the positive reviews of his recent album First Light. McCormack made a great leap in his development with his move from London to New York. The Guardian places him the tradition of Brad Mehldau and Vijay Iyer. ‘McCormack has an instinct for seductive themes that sound familiar and fresh’ (The Guardian).

Roller Trio stems from the fertile Leeds scene, where young and wild bands such as trioVD and Shatner’s Bassoon call the shots. These twenty-somethings do not shy away from going all out in a technically challenging mix of avant jazz, rock, hip-hop and electronica. Roller Trio might well be the most melodic of the bunch, with the captivating riffs of guitarist Luke Wynter and drummer Luke Reddin-Williams forming the basis for the tenor sax eruptions of James Mainwearing. ‘A howl of fresh air’ (The Guardian).

British pianist John Escreet moved to New York in 2006, looking for his great examples Kenny Barron and Jason Moran. He immediately established connections with leading musicians from the Brooklyn alternative jazz scene. Drummer Tyshawn Sorey for example, and double bassist John Hébert, both esteemed guests at the Bimhuis. Recently they came full circle recording with saxophonist Evan Parker, founding father of the British avant-garde. As a trio they excel at intricate compositions as well as astounding improvisations. ‘Escreet is a musical omnivore… what comes out is uniquely personal, some of the most inventive and distinct jazz around today’ (New York City Jazz Record).

The Bimhuis restaurant
is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via
020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free
entrance).