Interplay

Interplay, the well-established five-piece contemporary jazz ensemble based in the Midlands, is by turns lyrical and energetic, spontaneous and crafted. Through the compositions of bassist and leader Adrian Litvinoff the band invokes such varied musical and cultural references that audiences are constantly delighted and refreshed. Not for nothing has the band’s performance been described as ‘modern jazz with a smile’.

The front line players, Alan Wakeman (saxes, flute) and Richard Baker (trombone), are fine individual performers who have also developed a notable rapport through playing together in the band. Alan’s emotive freewheeling style contrasts piquantly with Richard’s more structured melodic approach, with beautiful results. Both are in demand as soloists, and they have recently been playing together in Richard Baker’s quintet also.

An accomplished soloist as well as an accompanist, keyboard player Neil Hunter is much sought after across the Midlands, appearing widely with Tony Kofi, Greg Abate and other visiting jazz celebrities. His musical understanding and resourcefulness mean that he constantly re-interprets the music in intriguing ways while remaining at the heart of the band’s sound, often achieving spectacular technical feats along the way.

Drummer and percussionist Dave Balen brings a different sensibility to the band, expressed through his imaginative use of percussion from around the world. He provides an ebb and flow of energy that avoids many of the tropes of jazz in favour of a more questioning and conversational style. Outside Interplay Dave has a continuing involvement with Indian music and is frequently to be heard performing on tabla.

Adrian Litvinoff, bassist and principal writer for the group, has many musical allegiances that inform both his writing and his playing. His main activities outside the band embrace Celtic Fusion rock, and classic Blues and Soul. Through Adrian’s refusal to be pigeonholed he has evolved a personal musical perspective from which to develop what critic Ian Mann (The JazzMann) has called a ‘distinctive group sound and philosophy’ (Warwick Arts Centre, June 2014).

Interplay has played at many jazz venues and also at community events. Recent appearances include a concert for International Jazz Day featuring South African trumpeter Claude Deppa, and a radio broadcast on behalf of Jazz UK launching the Coventry #4Jazz Festival. A musical celebration that is also a quest, this is music that anyone can enjoy and feel a part of the journey. 

The Band:

Adrian Litvinoff:                                     Bass

Alan Wakeman:                                     Saxes and Flute

Richard Baker:                                      Trombone

Neil Hunter:                                          Keyboards

Dave Balen:                                          Drums

See more at: http://interplayjazz.co.uk/

Tickets £10, students £5

For booking in advance contact Neil McGowan on 07811 203727 or [email protected]

For more detail of all Jazz Coventry gigs visit: www.jazzcov.co.uk