London Jazz Festival, in association with BBC Radio 3, Friday 11 to Sunday 20 November 2011

For the past couple of years, the London Jazz Festival at Kings Place has thrown an intense spotlight on artists rapidly emerging as key figures in the ever-evolving world of jazz in the 21st century. Hot on the heels of Stefano Bollani and The Bad Plus comes a series where Kings Place becomes the focal point for five massively talented groups and leaders - a meeting place for artists from the USA and Europe whose music stretches and probes the boundaries of jazz. Whilst absorbing and re-forming influences from the dancefloor or the recital room or the deep history of the big band, their different approaches - full of contrasts and unexpected pathways - all dig into the essence of jazz, with the creative spirit of the individual at its heart.

Trumpeter Rory Simmons leads his extraordinary jazz-meets-classical nine-piece on a highly original mix of twisted pointillist harmonies, furtive rhythmic patterns and edgy soloing. Joining them this afternoon is Norweigian drummer and electronic artist, Terje Evensen. Also known for his work as a adept sideman to singer Jamie Cullum, playing both guitar and trumpet, Simmons adds rock attitude to his spiky sound palette with cello, violin, bass clarinet, percussion, piano and bass all jostling harmoniously. With the ethereal voice of Elisabeth Nygaard and the demonic snarls of Andrew Plummer bringing yet more drama to proceedings, Fringe Magnetic will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“The group illustrate how good a jazz/classical collaboration can be: they sound danceable while bending the expectations of melody – and they don't need to turn the volume up to 11.” The Guardian

www.rorysimmons.com

www.terjeevensen.com