Rachel Musson, Liam Noble, Mark Sanders & Broca Ensemble, Vortex

Two cutting edge improvising ensembles join forces for this exciting double bill at the Vortex. Tenor saxophonist Rachel Musson, keys player Liam Noble and drummer Mark Sanders, three highly respected members of the British free and improvised music scene, began playing together in 2010 and released Tatterdemalion, their debut album as a trio, just last year. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Evan Parker and eccentric free jazz legend Sun Ra, the group have developed their own, distinctive sound in the process. Expect visceral collective improvisation, captivating synergy and spontaneously constructed melodies, with a sprinkling of extended technique, atmospheric percussion and playful electronics. Tracks from Tatterdemalion, including the introspective The Blanket Feels Wooden and the album’s opener, May Be A Silken Thread which builds from a spacey opening sequence to turbo charged musical anarchy, are certain to feature, with new material a tantalising prospect.
Just as intriguing are the Brockley-based Broca Ensemble who released a limited edition self-titled collection of their music earlier this year, but really need to be experienced live. A guitar collective with a shifting lineup of up to ten players, they specialise in structured improvisation, ensuring no piece is ever played the same twice. At the ambient end of the improvised spectrum, their music owes much to the great classical minimalists, among them Steve Reich and Terry Riley, and will offer a hypnotic and meditative counterpoint to the boiling lines and gutsy aggression of the Musson trio.