The Casimir Connection

Saxophonist and composer Diane McLoughlin’s new ensemble explores the boundaries between classical, folk and jazz. Featuring saxophone, violin, double bass and piano, the music allows space to explore sound and silence. This creates intensity and intimacy, echoing chamber music of the classical tradition. Quiet and brooding, serene and uplifting, with influences from Keith Jarrett to Poulenc, Bartok and Balkan folk music, The Casimir Connection is a jazz chamber group for the modern era.

The Casimir Connection features:

Diane McLoughlin: band leader, composer, saxes. Currently playing with the ARQ (the Alison Rayner Quintet) Diane has lead many groups including Giant Steppes, her 18 piece big band which performed to critical acclaim throughout Britain.

Benet McLean: violin. Critically acclaimed Benet has played with a panoply of international artists including Omar, Yehudi Menuhin, Dennis Rollins, Sir Simon Rattle, Carleen Anderson, Tommy Smith and many more.

Pawel Grudzien: piano and violin. Pawel is a classically trained multi instrumentalist, composer and producer based in London and Dublin and plays with many artists including Mary Coughlan, Graham J, Jaime Nanci and Neil Watkins.

Tim Fairhall: double bass. Tim has played extensively both in Britain and worldwide, in wide ranging musical genres with ensembles such as the London Improvisers Orchestra, Ti/om and the Markhov Chain, Yasmin Levy, the John Martin Quartet and Madwort's Menagerie.
“The bright fibrous sound of Diane McLoughlin’s soprano saxophone is a particular delight” Dave Gelly (The Guardian)

“McLoughlin can mix a keening tone with a melodic sweetness” Andy Robson (Jazzwise magazine)

“Benet McLean is both a sensitive group player and gifted soloist. His improvisations are vibrant percussive flashes of colour, full of trills and slurs, concise and witty”. Peter Marsh (BBB Jazz Review)