the NOW now, Sydney’s regular series of improvised and exploratory music, continues on September 22nd with an impressive lineup of local, interstate and international artists.
Canberra-based duo Spartak are a fine example of the younger generation of musicians from the nation’s capital, a city not known for its improvised music scene. The team of guitarist Shoeb Ahmad (who also runs the Hellosquare record label) and Evan Dorrian on drums have been at the core of many collaborations and projects, with Spartak being their main focus. For this performance they are joined by another longstanding duo, Tony Osborne and Cameron Deyell’s ‘Madhead’ project, joining forces as a quartet for the first time.
Canadian experimental musician Tim Olive, currently residing in Japan, is on an Australian tour this month and will be in Sydney to perform with local musician Adam Sussman. Adam has been involved with the NOW now’s performances since they began and now lives in the Blue Mountains where he is an active creative musician, and one of the exceptional improvisers in this country.
The third group on this program features Melbourne-based saxophonist Kris Wanders and guitarist Yusuke Akai, from Brisbane. Despite living thousands of kilometres apart the pair have worked together semi-regularly for the past year, and have an approach to free jazz which is rarely heard in this country, particularly in Sydney. Wanders was at the forefront of the European free jazz scene in the 1960s, working with many of the music’s innovators including Peter Brotzman, Han Bennink and the seminal Globe Unity Orchestra. Yusuke Akai, in his mid 20s, is one of the most active musicians and organisers in Brisbane’s experimental music scene. He is the driving force of many projects, including the Audiopollen Social Club, Taste of Teeth and this month’s visit by Japanese drummer Shoji Hano.**
*Who: *Spartak vs Madhead (Shoeb Ahmad, Evan Dorrian, Tony Osborne, Cameron Deyell) + Tim Olive/Adam Sussman + Yusuke Akai/Kris Wanders project**
*When: *Monday 22nd September 2008, 8pm**
*Where: *Serial Space
33 Wellington St, Chippendale**
*Cost: *$10 / $8
Info: www.thenownow.net
