For the first time, a concert in the large exhibition hall of the Jam Factory Art Center with world stars of improvisational jazz!
On April 8th, the largest hall of the art center will transform into a stage for global stars.
With a single concert in Ukraine as part of their European tour, legendary saxophonist Joe McPhee, trombonist Steve Swell, double bassist Mark Tokar, and drummer Klaus Kugel will perform in Lviv.
Joe McPhee, whose musical career spans over half a century, is one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz. Even at 85 years old, McPhee continues to explore new paths in jazz. His album “Nation Time” and his solo works have earned international recognition, and his participation in Peter Brötzmann’s Chicago Tentet solidified his reputation as a jazz innovator. In April, the multi-instrumentalist, composer, improviser, and jazz visionary Joe McPhee will be joined by three other world-class musicians.
The trio of Swell, Tokar, and Kugel released the album “FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE OPEN HEART” in 2023, and it immediately made it to the “Best Jazz on Bandcamp” list. The album has been praised for its intense and experimental music.
“This music is relentless; it behaves as if it is simultaneously under attack and moving forward – like a boat slicing through the ocean, even as it is tossed by mountain waves in the heart of the storm. The focused intensity creates a sense of structure breaking through chaos…”
The musicians of this unique quartet have already gained recognition among jazz enthusiasts, ensuring an unforgettable evening. Don’t miss the concert, which promises to be an important event for jazz lovers!
Quartet lineup:
Joe McPhee – tenor saxophone (USA)
Steve Swell – trombone (USA)
Mark Tokar – double bass (Ukraine)
Klaus Kugel – drums (Germany)
April 8 at 19:00 (doors open at 18:20)
Lviv, Jam Factory Art Center, 124 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho St. (Exhibition Hall, 1st floor)
Tickets: 500 UAH | 550 UAH on the event day
About the musicians
Joe McPhee is an American jazz multi-instrumentalist who plays tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, as well as trumpet, flugelhorn, and valve trombone. Very few musicians in jazz history have mastered trumpet, saxophone, and trombone simultaneously, making it a rare phenomenon in the jazz world. Since the late 1960s, McPhee has gained recognition for his work in the free jazz genre. He is known for his innovative approach to music and his profound influence on the development of jazz improvisation.
Steve Swell is an American trombonist, composer, and educator who began his career in New York in the mid-1970s and has released over 50 albums. He has collaborated with prominent musicians such as Anthony Braxton, William Parker, Peter Brötzmann, and Cecil Taylor. Steve also performed on Broadway in Bob Fosse’s production of “Dancin’.” His style combines an experimental approach with a deep understanding of jazz tradition.
Mark Tokar is a world-class Ukrainian double bassist and the first Ukrainian to perform at the prestigious Chicago Jazz Festival. He has played with musicians such as Ken Vandermark, Bobby Few, Perry Robinson, Steve Swell, Michael Zerang, Tim Daisy, and Dave Rempis. In March 2022, he joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Klaus Kugel is one of the most prominent contemporary jazz drummers in Central Europe. He has been actively performing at numerous concerts and festivals worldwide for over 20 years. He has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Petras Vysniauskas, Theo Jörgensmann, Joe McPhee, and many others. His music spans a wide range of jazz styles, and he continues to perform and record new albums. His musical career has been marked by numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the development of jazz improvisation.