More Information
Event Description
Belfast-based drummer and improvisor Stephen Davis is one of the most sought-after musicians and collaborators working today. He is a member of Anthony Braxton’s ‘The New Standard’ and the Alexander Hawkins Trio, and has worked with Marc Ribot, Evan Parker, Kris Davis, Paul Dunmall, Django Bates, and Van Morrison to name but a few. Davis made his name in the improvising trio Bourne, Davis, Kane, whose debut album Lost Something (Edition Records, 2008) prompted The Guardian’s John Fordham to acknowledge the trio’s “world class status.”
His new project arrived in the form of ‘Gleaming World Unit’, marking a new chapter for Davis, and a first international label release (577 Records, New York City). With a title drawing on sentiments from a letter written by Seamus Heaney, he was inspired by time spent in the Wicklow mountains, being submerged in forests for often hours at a time.
Being surrounded by offerings of the compositional power of the landscape led to a brand-new approach to tune-writing, where improvisation and composition are purposefully blurred, inviting the listener to make their own assessment. Ghosts, forests, old photographs and conversations with elders all feeds into a live showblending elements of free jazz, punk, contemporary classical, electronics, and art-music.
The star-studded ensemble for this run of shows across Dublin, Belfast, and London features Davis lining up alongside renowned pianist Alexander Hawkins, a tour-de-force horn duo with alto saxophonist Angelika Niescier and tenor saxophonist Tom Challenger, and to top it off, these shows are a first venture with double bassist Michael Formanek. A lineup which, aside from Formanek on bass, took its explosive live bow at Moving on Music’s Brilliant Corners jazz festival in Belfast in 2024. The next step for Gleaming World Unit is to present the show across Europe to new audiences, and this tour will be a taste of that. We are delighted to welcome Gleaming World Unit back to Belfast with support from PRS Foundation – Beyond Borders.
“this is a vital, frequently thrilling calling card from an explosive quintet, whose leader serves compelling notice of his credentials as a composer and bandleader of some distinction” – All About Jazz
“Davis has a love of multi-directional drumming styles personified by the likes of Rashied Ali and it shows here in a dazzling display, lit up by ferocious saxophone playing from Angelika Niecsier and Tom Challenger” – Marlbank
Please Note: While we strive to ensure all event details are accurate at the time of listing, times and other details may occasionally change. Please double-check with the venue or your ticket provider before travelling.
Location of event
Venue Information - The Black Box
The Black Box is housed in a Grade II listed building on Hill Street in the Historical Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, originally constructed c. 1850 and converted into its current usage as an arts venue in 2006.
