Our weekly festival, every Tuesday at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden through the summertime. We have invited some of South London's most innovative jazz players with a secret headline act plus support from rising stars Brother's Testament and guitarist & singer Jelly Cleaver.
PYJAEN
More than a quintet, PYJAEN is the unified expression of the emotions, journeys and influences that comprise its diverse members. Described by Jazz Wise Review as having “a groove propelled with dynamism and formidable technique”, PYJAEN seamlessly melds funk, afro-beat and contemporary sounds with nods to hip-hop and disco, whilst acknowledging the traditional era of 1920s jazz and dance music.
PYJAEN was born when a barista misspelled the name Dylan Jones on a coffee cup at Brainchild Festival in 2017. From that moment, PYJAEN became an alter ego, giving rise to a new form of limitless expression explored through jazz performance, animation and graphic art.
In their first year, PYJAEN have already firmly cemented themselves on the London jazz circuit, and been picked up by festival and club bookers all over the UK. The group have played sold-out shows at venues including The Jazz Cafe, Pizza Express, Kansas Smitty’s, Hootenanny’s, Spice of Life and the 100 Club, as well playing the infamous Jazzre:freshed residency, and festivals including Brainchild and Wilderness.
PYJAEN have supported acts including drummer and founder of rock-band Cream’s Ginger Baker, and have been played on stations including JAZZ FM, BBC, Worldwide FM, Netil Radio and more. Fresh from their second UK tour, PYJAEN are about to record their debut album which will be released ahead of their European tour in Spring 2019.
The friends, who met at Trinity Laban, aspire to create a culture that others can relate to and feel represented, and to help other young musicians carve out their own space. Self- motivated and driven by a DIY ethos and interdisciplinary approach, PYJAEN believe in building connections, supporting and collaborating with other artists to build communities and create culture in which everyone feels represented.
Coming from diverse backgrounds, but united over a shared aim to connect with each other and their audiences, PYJAEN are burgeoning onto the London jazz scene.
BROTHER’S TESTAMENT
Brother’s Testament are a groove-based jazz fusion band from London. Consisting of Munashe-Caleb Manyumbu, Mark Mollison, Hugo Piper and Jack Robson, their sound amalgamates powerful grooves and stirring melodies whilst also rooted in the jazz tradition. Brother’s Testament perform from the heart and emphasise and embrace improvisation so that the set manifests organically on stage, differently each time.
Brother’s Testament have already captivated audiences at Jazz Cafe (supporting Antonio Sanchez), EFG London Jazz Festival under the #jazznewbloodALIVE2018 series, Vortex Jazz Club (headline show), Wilderness Festival 2018 (in association with Jazz:refreshed) and Jazz FM’s Jazz in the Round (supporting Jean Toussaint). Last year saw the release of ‘Ascent’, their debut EP that slowly gained traction and garnered acclaim from the wider jazz community in London. Tracks from the ‘Ascent’ have been played on radio nationally, via Jazz FM (Tim Garcia + Chris Philips) and notable UK internet radio stations Worldwide FM, NTS Radio, Reprezent Radio and Balamii Radio.
JELLY CLEAVER
Jelly Cleaver is a guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer based in South London. With an eclectic taste in music, Jelly is heavily involved in both the jazz and DIY scenes in London. She's also an activist, and a strain of political dissent runs through her music. Her single ‘VI II V’ from her new dream jazz project was premiered on BBC Radio 1xtra.
STEPHEN VITKOVITCH
Byrd Out label head (releases from Andrew Weatherall, Evan Parker, Philou Louzolo and more) and the brains behind Walthamstow Jazz Festival, Stephen will play some tracks between the acts. Check one of his Netil shows here:
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Since our first season in 2013, our event at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden has always inspired audiences in a unique and thrilling way. This season of events captures the essence of a weekend rural festival in the centre of Dalston on a Tuesday evening.
The phenomenal surrounds of the garden combine with delicious pizzas from David Latto, and a supreme and ever-evolving roster of acts, to create a magical atmosphere which brings people together in a friendly and welcoming space.
It's a community of music-lovers joining to celebrate the warm months in a carefree and supportive atmosphere, with a compelling live soundtrack.
TICKETS
£6 Advance
£11 Door
£60 Season Pass
PLEASE NOTE that this is an outdoor concert which will go ahead regardless of the weather. Please bring appropriate clothing, including waterproofs if rain is forecast.