RACHAEL COHEN TRIO
Rachael Cohen, a London-based alto saxophonist and composer, is one of the brightest emerging stars of her generation. Her skills as a composer and improviser have gained her a great deal of attention in the UK and beyond. 2012 saw Rachael record her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Halftime’ on Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, which catapulted Cohen’s reputation to one of the premier new voices of her generation in the UK’s jazz and improvised music scene. Featuring top UK guitarist Phil Robson, ‘Halftime’ was highly praised nationwide and overseas upon it’s release in 2013 with four star reviews from major publications and earning her a spot in MOJO magazines top ten Jazz albums of 2014.

THE W is Bruno Heinen’s new London-based contemporary jazz group. Like the four equal lines that make up the letter ‘W’, the four members of the group come together as one voice in performance. They are a band in the true sense of the word. They meet regularly, learning the music by heart and shaping Bruno’s compositions together. The compositions themselves have a story to tell, each one based on a single idea/concept, and written with melody at the forefront.
Bruno, Andrea and Gene have been working together for many years. The addition of Heidi Vogel brings another layer of depth and lyricism to the music. “I’ve been working with Heidi in her own groups for over 10 years”, says Bruno. “I’ve always wanted to include her in a project of my own, and from the first time she sang with us, it just felt right. Her soul and range are extraordinary, especially without words: I can write as if I were composing for trombone, trumpet, or operatic soprano.”

Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra) – wordless vocals
Andrea Di Biase (Kenny Wheeler) – double bass
Gene Calderazzo (Pharaoh Sanders) – drums
Bruno Heinen – piano