Whirlwind Double Bills Blow Through Forge and Pheasantry

The first of these at The Forge on 22 April features a double album launch from rising star saxophonist Tori Freestone (pictured), who plays music from her new trio album, Chop House, alongside bassist Dave Manington and drummer Tim Giles, plus a second performance from trumpeter Rory Simmons’ Monocled Man who launch their debut album, Southern Drawl. This burgeoning trio also features adventurous Troyka guitarist Chris Montague and exciting Kairos 4tet drummer Jon Scott all tearing it up on free flowing mix of jazz-rock-into-electronica sounds.

Monocled Man also head out for several more dates following the launch gig also playing at the Amersham Arms, London (29 April); Hare And Hounds, Birmingham (26 June) and Jazz In The Round at the Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, London (30 June). The Tori Freestone Trio also play a series of UK dates at the following venues:Milestones Jazz Club, Lowestoft, Suffolk (6 July); St Ives Jazz Club, St Ives, Cornwall (29 July); and Sound Cellar, Poole, Dorset (31 July).

The second Whirlwind double-header takes place at The Pheasantry on 29 April and opens with a set from the jazz-folk-edged Bannau Trio, which features vocalist Nia Lynn alongside virtuoso flautist Gareth Lockrane and versatile keyboardist Ross Stanley, performing music from their recent album Points Of View. Also appearing that night will be New York-based altoist Patrick Cornelius (pictured) who leads his powerful Quartet that includes Whirlwind label boss Michael Janisch, New York-based drummer Paul Wiltgen and pianist Ross Stanley. Saxophonist Alex Garnett will be guesting with the band for some the set, which will feature music from Cornelius’ two Whirlwind albums, Fierce and Infinite Blue.

– Mike Flynn

For more info go to www.whirlwindrecordings.com