Reducing historical lives to ‘male’ and ‘female’ roles, we lose the nuance of those lives and a clearer understanding of past societies, suggests CLAIRE ISABELLA GILMOUR
Seymour Wright, Steve Noble, Pat Thomas and John Edwards
Cafe Oto, Hackney, London
JUST outside Cafe Oto, along Dalston Lane, is the huge and marvellous mural of a Hackney Carnival; all musicians soaring, all people dancing, all colours coalescing.
So I was hearing music in my head as I passed the momentous image, preparing me for the sounds I was to hear inside the Cafe Oto’s old industrial walls.
It was Derby alto saxophonist Seymour Wright, Hounslow-born bassist John Edwards and drummer and pianist from the Thames Valley, Steve Noble and Pat Thomas; all in powerful creative fettle.
CHRIS SEARLE relishes the genius of pianist Alexander Hawkins, his many ensembles, and his new album
CHRIS SEARLE urges you to listen to two new albums by the US Indian pianist VIJAY IYER
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to US saxophonist CAROLINE KRAABEL
CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance



