*CD Launch* Alex Hutton

A fluent and creative improviser, pianist Alex Hutton is also a fine composer, with an ear for folk and classical influences all melded into a classic jazz format. Originally trained in the USA, Alex returned to Britain to find work with a host of high-profile British musicians, including Jim Mullen, Gilad Atzmon and Art Themen as well making a name for himself with his own trios, quartets and sextets. He has to date produced three excellent "themed" albums and tonight sees the launch of his fourth, and arguably most successful album, the Magna Carta Suite. Inspired by the 800th Anniversary of this seminal document Alex describes the music as "…a suite that draws on music from English sources over the last 800 years, tying these themes to specific political or social events in history. Using early music, baroque classical and English folk as melodic and harmonic fragments the Suite depicts a forward momentum as Western music developed in parallel with the pursuit of liberty and democracy". The music itself has influences from a wide palette, but always remains rooted in the jazz piano tradition, emphasising strong melodic themes and constantly creating new and inspiring textures. Joining Alex for the launch tonight will be the quite brilliant Yuri Goloubev on bass and the startlingly original Asaf Sirkis on drums. Lovely gig this.

“A hugely engaging modern jazz pianist…both melodically and technically gifted…” Jazzwise;
“Alex Hutton makes vividly intelligent music that stands out head and shoulders in a crowded scene.” Brian Morton