Originality is crucial to pianist and Downbeat Poll-winner Vijay Iyer. His acoustic trio mixes beats and breaks from east and west, past, present and future.

American pianist/composer Vijay Iyer was voted best pianist of the year in the most recent Downbeat Critics Polls and this year he has received major critical acclaim with Break Stuff (ECM), the new album he recorded with his working trio. This album is all about the ‘break’, the unique moment in a music piece where everything falls in place. Vijay sees a similarities between breaks in jazz, hip-hop and Indian music. Vijay Iyer does not see himself as a typical virtuoso, but still he’s an important example for the current generation of jazz pianists because of his originality and unique timing. Thelonious Monk is a source of inspiration, but his music can also refer to Michael Jackson, M.I.A. or techno pioneer Robert Hood.

‘If you want to know where jazz is headed, Iyer is among the first artists to hear (LA Times).

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).

AFTERWARDS DJ FEDERICO AT THE CAFE

Vijay Iyer piano, Stephan Crump bas, Marcus Gilmore drums