This astonishing band remixes jazz, avant-garde and hip-hop into completely original music. ‘Steve Lehman’s work is required listening for the next generation’ (Downbeat).

‘Like a cutting-edge jazz orchestra remixing itself in real time’, is how Time Out described the Steve Lehman Octet. In 2010 this New York formation made its European debut at the Bimhuis, with great success. Band leader and alto saxophonist Steve Lehman composes amazing, kaleidoscopic music, in which structures from jazz, hip hop and electronic music coalesce. Now his octet is back with its second album Mise En Abîme, which earned a maximum amount of 5 stars in a review by leading magazine Downbeat.

In his original music Lehman reveals similar innovative ambitions as his former teachers Jackie McLean, Anthony Braxton and Alvin Lucier. With his octet he also gives an original twist to other people’s music, such as ‘Glass Enclosure’ by Bud Powell or ‘Luchini’ by hip-hop duo Camp Lo. This new octet features a special vibraphone, custom-built to create microtones.

‘Steve Lehman’s work is required listening for the next generation. This is just flat-out great new music with an emotional edge that transcends theory and a delicious sense of multiplicity and intention. Lehman sends his alto saxophone sailing over chimey, microtonal vibraphone and a determinedly indeterminate sense of time. Truly original’ (Downbeat).

‘An array of tones unheard anywhere else in jazz’ (The Wire).

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).

Jonathan Finlayson trompet, Tim Albright trombone, Steve Lehman altsax, Mark Shim tenorsax, Chris Dingman vibrafoon, Dan Peck tuba, Drew Gress bas, Cody Brown drums