Black Top's blend of lo-fi samples, dub effects and experimental electronics has been one of the leading groups in free improvisation on the International scene since 2012.

2022 sees Black Top celebrating their tenth year anniversary.

Black Top comprises the duo of Award winning Virtuoso musicians Orphy Robinson and Pat Thomas. Black Top's blend of lo-fi samples, dub effects and experimental electronics has been one of the leading groups in free improvisation on the International scene since 2012. Describing their music as ”Archaic Nubian Stepdub”, they have released four critically acclaimed albums to date.

Their virtuoso performances draw on influences from a rich palate of genre fluid soundscapes, histories and traditions, this is underpinned by a respectful focus on their Afro-Caribbean roots with split second free improv composition, spontaneity and humour.

Their unique work has been acknowledged by various Award Nominations that include the 2022 Parliamentary award for ‘Best Ensemble’ & 2016 The Jazz fm “Digital initiative” award”. Black Top always work with an invited guest player or players, these have included Marshall Allen, Evan Parker, Joe McPhee, Peter Evans, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Shabaka Hutchings & Henry Grimes to name a few of their celebrated guests.

Their special guest on this occasion will be turntablist Mariam Rezaei. The award winning composer & writer leads the groundbreaking experimental arts project TOPH. Rezaei’s music has recently been described as ‘genuinely ground-breaking’ by the (London Jazz News 2022) and as ‘high-velocity sonic surrealism’ (**** The Guardian).