TIME: 8.00 – 11.00 pm

TICKETS:  £14

PERSONNEL

Karim Saber – Guitar
Alex Wilson – Piano
Matt Cook – Tenor Saxophone
John Jones – Double bass
Jack Thomas – Drum kit

Born and raised in London, British/Iranian guitarist Karim Saber is steadily building a profile as both a performer and composer to watch. Known for his instrumental prowess and creativity, he is in demand as a sideman and regularly tours throughout Europe as part of the Lukas De Rungs Quintet/Kosmos Suite project. In 2021, whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Karim established his band, which features some of the most creative and in demand young musicians in London. The group’s debut album ‘Transmission’ draws from influences ranging from cutting edge modern jazz to grunge, and aims to seamlessly combine Karim’s love of extended improvisation with evocative, memorable melodic writing. ‘Transmission’ was released on UK based label Ubuntu music in January 2024.

‘Amidst the many London guitarists, Karim Saber is one who’s playing I am most excited about. He’s got ferocious chops, a great repertoire and I really enjoy his writing’ – Ant Law

‘Karim is one of the most recognisable and distinctive guitarists to emerge on the UK jazz scene in recent years. His compositions, tone and ideas are unique to him and I absolutely love this new album he has put together. I think he will be a much sought after play once audiences get a chance to hear this beautiful set of original tunes’ – Chris Montague

Karim’s quintet includes Alex Wilson and the trio he brought to the East Side last year.

Alex Wilson is a pianist, keyboardist, and composer based in London, performing and recording across a range of genres, primarily jazz and improvised music. In demand as a highly versatile and sensitive musician, Alex actively performs with a wide range of artists including singer Sahra Gure, guitarist Karim Saber, electronic group Zenel, Famous (Untitled Recs), and others. Alex has performed across the UK and Europe as a bandleader and ensemble member, at venues including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Vortex Jazz Club, 606 Jazz Club, Love Supreme Festival, London Jazz Festival, Jazzkaar Festival Estonia, La Petite Halle Paris, Brick Lane Jazz Festival and many more. ​

Since meeting award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November in 2022, Alex has written several works for the stage and contributed recorded and composed material for production soundtracks. Notable pieces include his orchestral score for For What It’s Worth (Royal Opera House, Royal Ballet, premiering February 2024), Water Me for string quartet and percussion (Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, Spring 2024), and recorded piano for NINA: By Whatever Means (Barbican Theatre, Linbury Theatre ROH, Ballet Black).​

Alex studied music at Oxford University (2016-19) where he performed widely in classical and jazz contexts and was invited to perform in masterclasses with Yo Yo Ma, Steven Isserlis, and the Villiers Quartet.

He went on to study a performance MA at the Royal Academy of Music (2020-22). While at the Academy he was awarded the Scott Philbrick Jazz Prize for outstanding postgraduate performance, Universal Music UK Sound Foundation sponsorship and the Countess of Munster Postgraduate Award.