BEAP - Karl D' Silva with Craig Scott duo & Ma.

Showcasing the best in groundbreaking new music, Bishopsgate Emerging Artists Programme (BEAP) highlights the work of the next generation of cutting edge musicians and composers. A partnership between the Centre for Creative and Professional Practice (Guildhall School of Music & Drama) and Bishopsgate Institute. With support from the Thistle Trust.

Karl D'Silva and Craig Scott are an avant-jazz duo influenced by the entire history of jazz from Johnny Dodds to John Zorn. Based in Leeds, they are active in the city’s fertile improvisation scene and are bent towards the louder, wilder side of improvisation. Karl is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, while Craig studied at Leeds College of Music. Formed in 2007 they perform compositions which serve as catalysts for open improvisations.

Progressive jazz ensemble Ma. are carving out their own space within Europe’s electronic and improvisation scene. In this special performance for BEAP, Ma. present their distinctive, cutting edge soundscapes which combine contemporary harmonies and melodicism, bursts of avant-electronica, dub soundworlds and abstract beats. With members of Red Snapper, Three Trapped Tigers, The Heritage Orchestra, Outhouse and Nostalgia 77, Ma.’s heady multi-layered sound is influenced by everything from Messiaen and Tortoise to Boards of Canada and Lee Perry.

Ma. is Tom Challenger (tenor saxophone), Ross Stanley (hammond organ and keyboards), Dave Smith (drums and percussion) and Matt Calvert (electronics). In 2009 they were joined by master-drummer/sound manipulator/producer Steve Arguelles for a UK tour. Ma.’s debut album Jyketie was released in 2008. They have just finished their second album which will be available in summer 2010.

Intoxicating...Hypnotic...A very promising future lies ahead. - Jazzwise.

This is a fine, powerful debut from a fiercely interactive band. - Chris Parker on Jyketie.