LIJF 2025: Arbenz / Neame / Hart / Churchill/ Doran / Pursglove - Conversation
Friday, 21 February 2025 Time: 7.30pm
Immy Churchill - voice
Percy Pursglove - trumpet/flugelhorn
Ivo Neame - piano/keyboards
Jim Hart - vibraphone / percussion
Christy Doran - guitar
Florian Arbenz - drums/ percussion
"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
Throughout his nearly 30-year musical career, Florian Arbenz has consistently demonstrated that he's not only a brilliant drummer but also has a keen sense for unique and gripping combinations of musicians and instruments.
In his latest project, he turns his attention to the musical connections he's formed during his frequent visits to the UK. The result is a wild and exhilarating blend of top UK musicians from various generations, for whom Florian Arbenz has tailor-made his newest project.
The music oscillates between deep grooves, thrilling improvisations, and lyrical sections, giving the musicians ample freedom to weave in their personal musical stories and character. The music always maintains its coherence and overarching theme, with Arbenz imprinting his unique signature through sophisticated harmonies, strong melodies, unusual instrumentation, and his knack for varying combinations of fellow musicians.
From the rising star Immy Churchill to internationally renowned musicians like Percy Pursglove, Jim Hart, and Ivo Neame, and the legendary veteran Christy Doran, five illustrious British musicians contribute to Arbenz's supergroup. Surprisingly, the band lacks a traditional bass player. However, Jim Hart, Ivo Neame, and Christy Doran share the bass role, adding more colour, flexibility, and unpredictability to the music – a true embodiment of the jazz spirit!
“Arguably one of the best drummers in Europe” - John Fordham, The Guardian (on Florian Arbenz)
“One of the most forward thinking artists in contemporary jazz” - Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz (on Percy Pursglove)
“One of the UK's most creative new jazz artists!” - The Guardian (on Jim Hart)