Innovation Series @ Ironworks #1 by Ken Pickering

“Innovation Series” at the Ironworks #1 (June 5, 2012)

by: Ken Pickering / Artistic Director

As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve moved most of this year’s Innovation Series to a new home, the much loved multi-purpose venue “The Ironworks”, a funky space near Gastown that’s home to many creative music shows throughout the year. A great spot on Alexander, just east of Main, the Ironworks has become one of our favourite places to listen to music in recent years. The idea was to create an informal comfortable communal vibe by refocusing the series so the audience and musicians would have an opportunity to get to know one another. Black boxes have their place, but we felt it was really time to bring the music to a space that was more informal and in essence create a great hang!

We’re running 8 shows through the main Innovation Series 9pm and another 7 shows in the Late Night Innovation Series at 11:30pm.

In these ongoing blog pieces I plan to write snap shot profiles (with the occasional anecdote or reminiscence where appropriate) of some (probably not all) of the artists included in the Innovation Series. Look for updates every couple of days that’ll feature one or two more artists leading up to the festival.

I’ve already talked a bit about Hélène Labarièrre in my previous “Spotlight on French Jazz” blog piece. So check that out if you haven’t already – for this one I’ll just include another you tube video from Dec 2010 that’ll give you an idea of what to expect from this talented bassist’s quartet and of course encourage you to check out her show on opening night. She’s heavy!

Hélène Labarièrre

 IPA – a great name for a great band that we heard at the Molde Jazz Festival in July/2010. The band originally began as a Norwegian trio (Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten – bass, Håkon Mjåset-Johansen – drums and Atle Nymo – sax) to record the legendary Don Cherry’s iconic (listen) music “Complete Communion” (one of the great Blue Note albums of the 60’s) and became a quartet in 2007 with the addition of Sweden’s Magnus Broo – trumpet and they have 3 albums out (2 as a quartet plus the trio disc). With roots in the classic Ornette / Don Cherry innovations of the 60’s, these players expand upon that musical territory in fresh, exacting and exciting ways that literally seethe with energy. You’ll hear blistering free bop sections that take off like a rocket, contrasted with a lyrical bittersweet approach from the horns that might remind of Archie Shepp’s moody down tempo moments. Atle to my ears has a serious Shepp influence. Of course these guys always bring it on with their hard swinging rhythmic approach that not only propels the music but holds it all together. If you enjoy the amazing Scandinavian quintet Atomic, this is a band that’ll make you sit up and take serious notice; so whatever you do don’t miss this quartet!  Both Magnus and Ingebrigt are members of Atomic – Atle and Håkon are fantastic players as well and without a doubt these new discoveries will be worth the price of admission as we used to say back in the day. This is sure to be a memorable show! 

http://www.coastaljazz.ca/artist/ipa

IPA