Photo Credit: Robert Laing Left to Right: Mark Williams (guitar), Adrian Tilbrook (drums), Andy Champion (double bass), Graeme Wilson (saxes), Paul Edis (keyboards).

Andy Champion writes about his gig at the Vortex this Thursday April 4th…

Being based in Newcastle, there’s always something a little bit special about playing a gig in London, especially at such a prestigious venue as The Vortex. This time though, there are other reasons why it will be special.

I’ve had the pleasure of performing at The Vortex a few times and this will be the third appearance for my quintet ACV since our formation in 2009. On this occasion however, we’ll be headlining.

Does it make a difference that we’re headlining? Maybe not, but what will definitely be different is that we’ll also be launching our new album Busk.

Busk is our second album, the follow up to our 2010 début Fail In Wood and we’re really excited that it is being released through Babel Label.

Featuring all original compositions and sterling production by Chris Sharkey (genre-busting guitarist with trioVD and Acoustic Ladyland), you’ll hear hints of Canterbury-style prog rock, weightless free improv, deep modal swing, and sensitive balladry all mixed together to create, as one blogger described it “a distinctive group sound and identity”.

Needless to say for the gig at the Vortex we’ll be performing most of the tracks from the new album although there will be a couple of ‘oldies’ from Fail In Wood, and a support set from Kieran McLeod’s Dialogues.

Along with the new album there have been other developments for ACV and myself. I was very pleased to be selected to take part in this year’s artist development initiative ‘Take Five’ by Serious. And ACV were picked to be “ambassadors” for the northern jazz scene by the new development agency Jazz North as part of their ‘Northern Line’ scheme.

So all in all it’s been an exciting time that I hope will continue.

See you all at The Vortex.

PS. Another reason why this gig will be special is that the 4th of April is my birthday!

Forthcoming tour dates:

03/4 – Dempsey’s, Cardiff
04/4 – The Vortex, London
06/4 – Gateshead International Jazz Festival
19/4 – Fuse Box, Leeds (with World Service Project)
25/4 – HX7 Jazz Club, Hebden Bridge
11/5 – Southport Jazz Festival