Aspyrian

Expansive Contemporary Jazz, Improvisation & Immersive Soundscapes

With three album releases, two Help Musicians awards and more than 50 live dates behind them, Aspyrian are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the most distinctive and ambitious voices on the UK jazz scene.

For their first performance at Toulouse Lautrec, the trio celebrate the release of their new album, Live at The Glad Jazz Festival, recorded live in 2024. The record revisits five original compositions from their two studio albums, to explore (vol. 1 & 2), capturing the trio’s music in a more open, spontaneous setting.

For this special album release show, Aspyrian will combine music from the record with newer material, taking compositions that have become second nature to the band and opening them up to expansive improvisation, risk-taking and spontaneous musical conversation.

With Support from Joe Baz Trio

The Joe Baz Trio bring a fresh, adventurous approach to jazz standards and contemporary swing, exploring music by three of the genre’s most distinctive composers: Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk and Cole Porter.

Blending familiar favourites with lesser-heard gems, the trio rework this timeless repertoire through expressive improvisation and a modern musical sensibility. The evening will also feature intimate saxophone and double bass interludes, with famous melodies reimagined in a spacious, chordless setting.

Expect inventive arrangements, compelling rhythms and lively musical conversation from three exciting young performers on London’s jazz scene.

About Aspyrian

Formed by long-standing friends and collaborators, Aspyrian are a London-based trio who have been making music together in various forms for almost 15 years.

Drawing inspiration from contemporary jazz alongside soulful songwriters and alternative music, the trio have developed a distinctive sound that blends intricate composition, rich improvisation and immersive sonic textures.

Their acclaimed 2024 album to explore (vol. 2) attracted thousands of streams and placements on prominent jazz playlists, while their latest live recording captures the chemistry and spontaneity that have become central to their sound. UK Jazz News praised the group’s live performance as “a showcase of Aspyrian’s dynamism as a unit, leaning into the band’s distinct chemistry and improvisational prowess.”

Performance highlights include a sold-out appearance at the 2022 EFG London Jazz Festival, headline shows at PizzaExpress Live Dean Street and The Pheasantry, and three extensive tours across the UK and Ireland.

With each new project, Aspyrian continue to explore the possibilities of the modern jazz trio, bringing together composition, experimentation and improvisation in an ever-evolving musical journey.

Band Line-up

Robin Porter – saxophones & effects
Jack Gillen – guitar & effects
Matt Parkinson – drums

About Joe Baz

Joe Baz is a London-based saxophonist, composer and improviser whose musical voice draws on jazz, 20th-century classical composition and music of the African diaspora.

He performs regularly at leading London venues including Ronnie Scott’s, PizzaExpress Live and the 606 Club. His own trio and quintet have appeared around the country at venues including KOKO, EartH Hackney and MAP Studio Cafe.

Alongside his original projects, Joe has performed and recorded with Afrobeat band Kedu, folk-rock group Running Standard and hip-hop duo Sonic Daze.

The Trio

Edouard Le Feuvre – double bass
A creative and in-demand young bassist, Edouard has performed with musicians including Ashkan Layegh, Sylvie Noble, Laurie Rich and Mike Soper.

Cian Burton – drums
Currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Cian has worked with internationally renowned drummers including Ari Hoenig, John Riley, James Maddren and Kendrick Scott. His melodic, compositionally minded playing draws inspiration from Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Marcus Gilmore, Dan Weiss, Keith Carlock and Nate Wood.

Band Line-up

Joe Baz – Alto saxophone
Edouard Le Feuvre – Double bass
Cian Burton – Drums