RESTLESS CREATIVITY FROM RISING YOUNG STARS AT MILESTONES JAZZ CLUB
This month’s concert at Milestones Jazz Club on Sunday 1 April features some young and supremely talented rising stars of the UK jazz scene performing original contemporary jazz of real depth – Dagda featuring Joe Wright.
Dagda, a word from Celtic mythology meaning 'good god', was formed in 2010 by saxophonist Tom Harrison from the thriving pool of young jazz musicians currently making London's jazz scene one of the best in the world.
The band's work never stays in one place - delicate and haunting compositions with gossamer-like melody give way to restless, swinging improvisation full of sharp angles, all with an added punch that only live performance can muster.
This approach is influenced by a wide range of styles and sources - from John Coltrane, Phil Woods and Kurt Rosenwinkel through the Velvet Underground and Led Zeppelin to Nick Drake.
Even though Dagda's members are still only in their early twenties, they have already performed around the Britain and Europe in the company of the UK's finest jazz musicians.
The commitment of the band to the culture and tradition of jazz is shown in how their music is created.
Dagda’s music is communally composed – initial sketches at rehearsals are developed through discussion, before being manipulated through a process of live gigs.
The live recordings are then picked apart in further rehearsals before any inspired ideas are incorporated back into the compositions for future performances.
The final product recorded on their album have been developed over the past 9 months of performances and are still open to change at any given concert.
Tom Harrison notes the impact live performances have had on Dagda's music: "Much of the structure was formulated on live gigs and a tour of this size will hopefully develop the compositions in unexpected ways".
This concert is part of the band's second major national tour in two years supported by Jazz Services and promotes their eponymous debut album.
The band’s full line-up features Tom Harrison (alto sax), Joe Wright (tenor/soprano sax), Billy Adamson (guitar), Tom West (double bass) and Mike Clowes (drums).
Listen to the music of Dagda by visiting http://www.dagdaquartet.co.uk/ or via the club website at http://www.milestonesjazzclub.co.uk and watch YouTube footage of the band at http://www.dagdaquartet.co.uk/media.html
All Milestones gigs are held on the first Sunday of every month and take place at Hotel Hatfield, Esplanade, Lowestoft with the doors opening at 8pm.
Admission - £7 / £6 (concession).
