Thursday-Double Bill: Arbenz Quartet/Matthew O Connell & Tom Maxwell

Arbenz X Osby / Barradas / Moutin  „Conversation_LAB“

Line-up

Greg Osby – sax

Joāo Barradas – accordion

François Moutin – bass

Florian Arbenz – drums

“Jazz is supposed to be the most unselfish of art forms. In jazz, you give yourself completely to make somebody else play their best. You try to do something to make them, inspire them to do something. So it is a matter of sacrifice.” – Dizzy Gillespie

In this brand new cross-continental collaboration, acclaimed Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz joins the sensational Portuguese accordion wizard Joāo Barradas, US sax legend Greg Osby and French bassist François Moutin to launch ‚Conversation_LAB’.

Florian first collaborated with Osby back in 1998 and, whilst the professional relationship has now lasted over 28 years, this is their first project together featuring Portuguese Accordion-star Joāo Barradas and French bass-legend François Moutin!

Across a career spanning more than 30 years, drummer and percussionist Florian Arbenz has carved out a reputation as not just a skilled musician, but as a creative collaborator.

This is on full display in his new quartet which brings together fellow musicians whose rhythmic concept, harmonic vision and open-minded playing take the listener on a journey which ranges from hard-swinging solos and free improvisations to dreamy soundscapes.

This slightly unusual line up of accordion, bass, sax & drums gives this group a very special and very specific sound.

With a slew of awards and world-class collaborations under their belts, the ensemble’s collective international reputation cannot be understated.

From Osby’s appearances on numerous Blue Note albums, Barradas winning the World Accordion Trophy (twice!) and Arbenz’s European Award for Culture, each member of the quartet is a powerhouse in their own right.

Website: www.florianarbenz.com

Matthew O Connell/Tom Maxwell Duo

Line-up

Matthew O’Connell – guitar

Tom Maxwell – piano

Dublin-based Irish musicians whose shared passion for jazz and improvisation forms the heart of their duo. Matthew is a guitarist and composer on the Irish jazz scene, having performed in many projects of his own and as a sideman and has worked alongside the likes of acclaimed bassist Ronan Guilfoyle, He was a finalist in the Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year 2022 competition. Tom is a pianist, organist, composer, and musical director whose playing draws on influences ranging from the jazz traditions of Oscar Peterson and Red Garland to the rich textures of J.S. Bach and Louis Vierne. He has played part in many projects such as the ‘Tom Maxwell Organ stops
trio’ and the ‘Tom Maxwell Quartet Their performance features music from their latest album, blending original compositions with fresh interpretations of jazz standards, showcasing a modern
approach while remaining rooted in the tradition.