@ The Verdict, 59 Edward Street, BN2 0JB

Pat Thomas

Pat Thomas studied classical piano from the age of 8 and started playing jazz from the age of 16. He has since gone on to develop an utterly unique style – embracing improvisation, jazz and new music. He has played with Derek Bailey in Company Week (1990/91), AND (with Bailey and percussionist Steve Noble), The Tony Oxley Quartet, The Celebration Orchestra and in Duo with Lol Coxhill as well as numerous other collaborations both in the UK and abroad.

“Pat Thomas sits in the front rank of British improvisers.” – James Linbloom, Opprobrium

“Unlike other pianists whose virtuosity seems to be racing ahead of their thought processes Thomas always seems supremely in command of his gift, and his playing, no matter how free and ready to tangle with abstraction, always carries a charge of authoritative exactitude.” – The Jazzmann

Alison Blunt + Annie Kerr

Alison Blunt is one of the UK’s leading improvising violinists – when she isn’t performing at an international festival, she’ll be working on a film or dance commission, recording a children’s album and generally eluding pigeonholes.

Violinist Annie Kerr can be heard regularly playing in her duo with Gus Garside, alongside classical recitals and poetry readings.

“Alison Blunt’s playing is unique. Eerie gut-ripping rattles and chokes from hell are interrupted by ringing notes of heavenly hope. I have never heard anything like it” – Jeffery Taylor.

Plus

The Wildcard Quartet

Gus Garside: double bass
Kev Moore: electronics
Alistair Strachan: cornet / electonics
Ade Fettucini: guitar / wind instruments