Austrian trombonist, pianist and composer Christian Muthspiel brings his fascinating take on Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares by Elizabethan composer John Dowland to the Vortex, with help from American bass legend Steve Swallow, French vibes player Franck Tortiller and Swiss trumpeter Mathieu Michel.
Released on the ACT label back in 2013, the work blurs the boundary between chamber music and jazz, taking Dowland’s themes and fragments of his melodies, transplanting them into a modern jazz context and using them as a springboard for improvisation. At times, such as on Happy Tears, where Michel’s muted trumpet recalls Miles Davis at his most laid back, the result is haunting. Tears of Laughter leans towards funk while ‘Tears of a Clown’ is sunny and bright, with a tropical lilt.
It may sound like a stylistic mishmash but it all hangs together seamlessly, demonstrating just how much jazz and chamber music have in common.
| What | Christian Muthspiel with Franck Tortiller, Steve Swallow and Mathieu Michel |
| Where | Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London , N16 8AZ | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Highbury & Islington (underground) |
| When |
30 Sep 15 – 01 Oct 15, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Price | £20 |
| Website | Click here to book via the Vortex Jazz Club’s website: |
