Transcendence - featuring Adrian Utley, co-founder of Portishead

Start: Sunday, April 20, 2025 7:30PM
End: Sunday, April 20, 2025 10:30PM

"Transcendence" - A Journey through Improvisation, Electronica, and Experimental Sound Showreel: https://youtu.be/KC7d5unKsz8 Adrian Utley, one of the founding members of double platinum-selling band Portishead, will bring his new project, ‘Transcendence’ to Brighton’s Unitarian Church on Easter Sunday, 20th April. This special one-off concert, precedes a headline appearance at world-renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, and subsequent recording at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, offering Brighton music fans an exclusive opportunity to preview this brand new project, which brings together five of the most innovative and in-demand musicians on the UK scene today. Drawing on both composed pieces and extended spontaneous improvisation, the night will explore themes of movement, chaos, transcendence and resolution, delivered through a fusion of expansive melodies, and immersive soundscapes. Expect moments of introspective beauty as well as unrestrained sonic exploration, all unfolding within the stunning acoustics of Brighton’s Unitarian Church. Adrian Utley – guitar, synths Seb Rochford (Polar Bear, Patti Smith, David Byrne) – drums, percussion Mark Edwards (Katie Melua, Carleen Anderson) – piano, keyboards Arnie Somogyi (Eddie Henderson, Amy Winehouse) – bass Paul Booth (Steve Winwood, Steely Dan) – saxophones Adrian Utley is probably best known as one of the founding members of platinum-selling band Portishead, and was key to the development of their distinctive sound. A multi-instrumentalist and producer, his musical pedigree also includes partnerships with a wide range of diverse artists across many genres. Throughout his eclectic musical career he has maintained a passion for jazz and improvised music, recently recording with US trumpet legend Eddie Henderson. Seb Rochford came to prominence as the leader of experimental jazz originator Polar Bear and has gone on to collaborate with Herbie Hancock, Damon Albarn, Brian Eno and David Byrne, amongst many others. He has recently released a ‘A Short Diary’ on ECM Records, a duo album with Kit Downes. Pianist, composer, and producer Mark Edwards is known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. With a rich background in jazz, classical, and electronic genres, he has worked across a variety of projects, from solo works to collaborations with leading artists Katie Melua, Terry Callier, Carleen Anderson and Incognito. His music is often described as emotive and cinematic, drawing on influences from contemporary classical and ambient music. Edwards has a reputation for creating immersive soundscapes that push boundaries while maintaining a strong melodic focus. Arnie Somogyi is a prominent UK bassist and composer. Well-known to UK jazz audiences as the band leader of innovative sextet ‘Ambulance’ and Anglo-Hungarian 10-piece ‘Improvokation’, he has also worked with a wide range of leading international jazz artists including Eddie Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson and Steve Grossman and stars such as Amy Winehouse and Tom Jones. His music was included in the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, where his Untrue Island project, created with writer Robert Macfarlane for the National Trust, melded music, literature, and nature. Paul Booth is an acclaimed UK saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, renowned for his versatility and dynamic performances. Originally from the North East of England, he honed his craft from an early age, performing with his father in Spain before immersing himself in the UK jazz scene. At just 16, he became the youngest degree student at the Royal Academy of Music and won the Young Jazz Player of the Year award. His career has since spanned collaborations with legends like Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, The Eagles, and Van Morrison, as well as work with Incognito and The BBC Big Band. As a solo artist, he has released multiple albums on his label, Pathway Records. Booth leads various ensembles, including the Patchwork Project and Bansangu Orchestra, showcasing his passion for jazz and world music. His talent as a multi-instrumentalist and improviser continues to earn him global recognition.