Shatner’s Bassoon- 13 February 2013

Shatner’s Bassoon are a group of six Leeds based composers/improvisers. Since forming in 2010 they have performed regularly around the UK, had a live show featured on BBC Jazz on 3 and collaborated with artists such as pianist Matthew Bourne.

Influenced by contemporary artists such as Tim Berne, Mr. Bungle, John Zorn, Frank Zappa, Tyshawn Sorey and a range of rock and electronica; and with a combined experience that includes eastern European folk, Hindustani music, Brazilian music, straight ahead and free jazz, reggae, metal, contemporary classical and musique concrete; Shatner’s Bassoon have developed a unique collective sound based on developing complex compositional structures through improvisation – allowing the music to be naturally infused by their experiences.

The results can range from dense free noise through intense riffs and ambient textures. They play with musical clichés and conventions to produce music that negotiates a path from the beautiful to the sinister, humorous and surreal.

Central to the band’s process is a constant evolution of their approach to making music together. 2011 saw the addition of Craig Scott on fretless guitar, circuit-bent children’s toys and cassette tape machine, and at the beginning of 2012, Joost Hendrickx joined the band to play drums alongside founding member Andrew Lisle. This has further expanded the sound of Shatner’s Bassoon to encompass the unique duality in rhythmic construct that this line-up can provide.

Having recently recorded a live session for BBC Jazz on 3, Shatner’s Bassoon are set to release their debut album to coincide with their first major UK tour throughout February 2013.