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Jazz in the House:
Chris Batchelor's Zoetic        

See more from: Music

Please note: this event is in the past

Zoetic performing against a whitewashed brick wall
Overview
Performers

Renowned for his melodic and warmly lyrical trumpet playing, Chris Batchelor has been composing music for almost as long as he’s been performing. Winner of the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers and a BBC Jazz Award, this new ensemble sees Batchelor further honing and distilling the approach he established in his writing for the influential groups Loose Tubes and Big Air.

Batchelor’s distinctive compositions for Zoetic are the outcome of his long lasting immersion in a wide range of music in London’s varied scene, from East African guitar band grooves to echoes of wistful European folk themes and sinuous lines reminiscent of Arabic music.

Zoetic is an exceptional combination of musicians who have played together for years in many other settings. Guitarist John Parricelli and bassist Steve Watts were fellow members of Loose Tubes, for which Batchelor was a key composer and soloist. The addition of violist Margrit Hasler and percussionist Paul Clarvis results in a unique and intriguing collective sound, rich in textural possibilities.

Performers

Chris Batchelor was a founding member of Loose Tubes and has played with many leading international stars, such as Hermeto Pascoal, Michael Brecker, Uri Caine and John Taylor. He leads the popular band Pigfoot, dedicated to re-inventing well known repertoire from all styles. He also co-leads the groups Total Vibration (with Laura Jurd) and Zone-B, in which he continues his long and fruitful association with altoist Steve Buckley.

“A fine trumpeter who intriguingly blends Miles Davis's shrewd pacing and evocative long-note sounds with something of Harry Beckett's bubbly phrasing.” - The Guardian

 

Margrit Hasler had an extensive career in classical music working with top conductors such as Solti and Haitink, alongside playing jazz with Mark Lockheart’s Ellington In Anticipation and recording with Paloma Faith.

“The burnished legato and glacial harmonics of viola player Margrit Hasler.” - The Arts Desk

 

John Parricelli was also one of the founding members of the British big band Loose Tubes. He has worked with Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian.

“He's a sensitive and versatile player who provides excellent support. His delicate touch, tasteful harmonic sensibility and rhythmic ease are responsible for setting much of the mood” - BBC Music

 

Steve Watts has been a key figure in many bands on the British scene for years, and is one of the most sought after and creative bassists around. He has worked with Kenny Wheeler, Joe Lovano, Kirk Lightsey and many more.

“Steve Watts on bass gives a solidity to the pulse reminiscent of Ron Carter at his stentorian finest.” LondonJazzNews.com

 

Paul Clarvis is instantly recognisable for his sparky and idiosyncratic style. He is extremely versatile and has worked with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone to Harrison Birtwhistle. He also plays in Chris Batchelor’s Pigfoot.

“Clarvis' fluid and creative brushwork had every bit of the infinite subtlety of a Joey Baron or a Paul Motian.” LondonJazzNews.com

 

COVID-19 precautions

Although the government has lifted many of the requirements around COVID-19 isolation rules, we are aware that many of our visitors are vulnerable and we want everyone to feel safe and comfortable. As such, we are continuing to provide hand sanitiser at our entrances, keep windows open to increase ventilation, and maintaining our reduced capacity of 80%. As audience members, we ask that you do not attend if you are showing symptoms or are testing positive, and that you wear a face covering if possible. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 020 8348 8716 and we will do our best to accommodate you.