A double bill of two thrilling and exploratory bands at the cutting edge of improvised music.

Anthropods is the new band from American drummer and composer, Mark Holub, bandleader of acclaimed Mercury Prize nominees Led Bib. Their music is full of contrasts, from pastoral beauty to dense free improvisation, short punchy compositions and heavy grooves, and features musicians from the Vienna creative music scene, including violinist Irene Kepl, bass clarinetist Susanna Gartmayer (Vegetable Orchestra), cellist Clemens Sainitzer, and tenor sax player Jakob Gnigler.

Here's some of their music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6xtBwWJ1e0

"And it is this European tradition, in which archaic folk music, kletzmer, roma, classical, and jazz musical traditions warp and blend that Anthropods (because the music just feels so much bigger than one member of the group) draw on to great effect." - Jazz Views

Sloth Racket are led by baritone saxophonist Cath Roberts (Quadraceratops, Favourite Animals), with Anton Hunter (Beats & Pieces Big Band, Article XI) on guitar, with Sam Andreae (Trio Riot) on tenor sax, Seth Bennett (Metamorphic) on bass, and Johnny Hunter (Nat Birchall, Revival Room) on drums. Mixing fiery free jazz, sparse, minimal improv, deep grooves and big riffs, they formed in 2015 and have played across the UK including appearances at London and Lancaster Jazz Festivals. A band with a strong Sheffield connection and five of the most energetic and creative improvisers in the UK.

Here's some music by Sloth Racket: https://vimeo.com/722656883

"Sloth Racket produce sumptuous, mischievous music" - The Quietus

"Watching Sloth Racket perform is a thrilling experience, conveying a palpable sense that the musicians are navigating the scores by the seat of their pants, making real-time group decisions that sculpt the compositions into unique shapes each time they're played." - Daniel Spicer, The Wire, December 2021

Two double bill gigs in one day!
Gig 1: Doors 4pm, music 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Gig 2: Doors 7.15pm, music 7.45pm - 9.45pm

Tickets for these gigs are available here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sgct/lines-and-spaces-21st-april/e-zmpkjx

Ahead of a brand new album, acclaimed drummer Corrie Dick (Dinosaur, Jacob Collier, and Rob Luft), is joined by one of the most exciting new voices on the UK music scene, saxophonist Norman Willmore (The Peatbog Faeries, Beth Orton). Together they draw direct inspiration from the world of Scottish folk music with a unique setup that includes drums, saxophone and organ foot pedals. They weave ancestral melodies with drones, field recordings and improvisation, giving the tunes renewed meaning, whilst also challenging traditional notions of folk music. Captivating, spontaneous improvised music, from an uplifting and inspiring duo; new vistas formed from ancient traditions.

Here's some of their music: https://youtu.be/sRmau-KfYXk?si=Nm8mbVnIHuKuHtQG

"It is a rare and wonderful thing to encounter genuinely original music, the salt-bite of the North Isles is thrust head-first into a brave new experimental world. Here we have two musicians transcending both jazz and folk; utterly in control, and creating a singular voice like no other" - Martin Green

"Their sound is enticing and thoughtfully matches the content, offering a new form from separate musical styles." - Huw Warren

Once a Fig create spinning, trance-like melodies that morph into electrifying groove-based tunes, beautiful original music from Rebecka Edlund (vocals), Phoebe Harty (cello) and Cori Smith (viola), a trio that met two years ago playing folk music and dancing polskas into the early hours of the morning. The end result is a myriad of musical soundscapes, intertwining traditional folk melodies, original compositions and improvisation.

Rebecka Edlund's debut album, 'Något om en bjőrk' was nominated by Lira Music Magazine for the best folk jazz album of the year. You may have caught her previously in Corrie Dick's wonderful Sun Swells band, and she has performed at renowned venues around Europe with musicians including Rob Luft, Elliot Galvin, Laura Jurd. Phoebe Harty and Cori Smith are Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists as members of 'Don't Feed the Peacocks', with inspirations including pop, classical and Swedish folk music.

"…a wonderfully calm energy similar to the glow of a warm fire in a room" London Jazz News

Here's some music: https://youtu.be/I1lHnHsDyTU?si=pFA8mJZcmH3X_sbn

Nu-jazz fusion and a fresh, open and spacious original sound from this brilliant Manchester-based trio featuring Bim Williams (guitar), Andy Patterson on bass, and Ruben Sheridan (drums), joined for this latest tour by saxophonist Callum Connell.

NONUNONU visit us following dates across the UK including at Manchester Jazz and International Festivals, Lancaster Jazz Festival, Esk fest, and Liverpool Jazz Festival.

Vibrant and intense grooves, and free-flowing improvisation, their gig at The Lescar last year was a real highlight. Find out more here: https://nonunonu.com

Here's some music: https://youtu.be/-PUWzempeqA?si=WkwvEGKK_TXUaz1T

A vibrant and original collaboration between Nu Jazz duo BIGHEADMODE (Robbie & Ewan Moore) and vocalist Plumm, a multi-instrumentalist bandleader based in South London.

Merging their two sounds, this riveting and dynamic meeting celebrates the music of Black Sabbath, bringing together BIGHEADMODE's fusion of celestial, jazz-infused grooves influenced by Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi, J Dilla and Kruangbin, alongside Plumm's soulful, mood-driven soundscapes inspired by David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin.

Together they build on the essence and vitality of Black Sabbath's style through original compositions alongside unique and energising arrangements of Black Sabbath tracks including Paranoid, War Pigs, and Fairies Wear Boots. Innovative and exciting, and a dynamic homage to Black Sabbath's legacy.

BIGHEADMODE emerged from South London's jazz scene collaborating with the likes of Quinn Oulton and Tom Ford, forging a sound that swings from intimate broken beat lo-fi to break-neck 70s fusion bravado, cosmic sci-fi-esque analogue synths and raw visceral drums amongst chopped and screwed samples.

Read more about BIGHEADMODE here: https://www.bigheadmodemusic.com

…and here's some of their music: https://bigheadm0de.bandcamp.com

Plumm has collaborated with Moses Boyd and Taylor McFerrin, and been championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson, she also leads her own Led Zeppelin band, and is regarded as one of the most creative and exciting singers on the London music scene.

Here's a link to some music by Plumm: https://plumm1.bandcamp.com

A return to The Lescar for a brilliant trio led by one of the very best guitarists around today, Tom Ollendorff, fresh from a UK tour with US legend Aaron Parks, and a string of further dates across the UK and Europe. Melodic, nuanced and sensitive, Tom Ollendorff has drawn praise from both critics and fellow musicians, and is joined in this trio by a first class rhythm section; Viktor Nyberg (bass) and David Ingamells (drums). Tom's last album 'Passing Ships' released in 2023 featured powerful US saxophonist Ben Wendel. Subtle, yet insistent and powerful music.

Here's some music from the trio: https://youtu.be/jKBvXWYgB04?si=pPZ3RyEubbcphJH2

And some solo guitar…https://youtu.be/tEhc0jxyEUA?si=m25ChUb8zqunROMl

"…one of the world's finest guitarists…" Gilad Hekselman

"Meticulous Eloquence"(The Guardian)

"Ambitiously conceived and perfectly realised. Tom Ollendorff is making his quiet way towards ubiquity" (Jazzwise)

"Unbelievable, just the calm, what a technique" (Veerhovens Jazz)

"The British Musician is at the top of his game" (Les Oreilles Curiesses)

Brand new music from an acclaimed and award winning artist, a wonderful singer Nishla Smith with an incredible band of leading new generation UK musicians; Charlotte Keeffe (trumpet / flugelhorn), Helena Kay (sax / flute), Tom Harris (piano), Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass), and Sarah Heneghan (drums). THE BEAST brings together Nishla's evocative and original songs with music that draws on jazz and ideas from soul, pop and sound-design, the piano laying a foundation for virtuosic improvisation, and lush layered textures. Nishla's new album is being produced by Chris Hyson (Snowpoet), and this gig is part of a short UK tour that also takes in London's Ronnie Scotts. A riveting performer with a powerful sense of narrative and a brilliant band.

Here's some music! https://youtu.be/3zG5Js6l8uM?si=7vvpSQlMyRk5j3tB

"She draws you into this world of hers, reflective and contemplative… and full of wonderment." The Grouchy Critic

"Her voice is exquisite, a symbol of unreachable beauty." The Guardian

"She creates a darkly gorgeous interior sonic world" Downbeat USA

Please join us for this, definitely an unmissable gig.

NOTE THAT THIS GIG IS ON A THURSDAY!!!!!!