Broken Numbers conjures a cocktail of exploratory exultation with their ear-bending, heart-beating, footloose free-jazz music-making. Expect a moving electro-acoustic feast from rock-solid starters to noise-probing mains to melt-in-your-mouth puddings, featuring a who’s-who of Bristol’s hearing heroes.
Paul Anstey – Double Bass.
A mainstay of the Southwest scene, Anstey has worked extensively throughout the UK and Europe, touring with Spirit Level, Andy Sheppard, Paul Dunmall and many others, recording BBC Sessions and radio broadcasts including Jazz in Britain and Jazz Today, appearing in international festivals, and playing throughout Europe with celebrated musicians including Larry Stabbins, Alan Skidmore, Elton Dean, Harry Beckett, Tony Orell and Keith Tippett.
Mark Langford – Keyboard, Bass Clarinet.
Musician, composer, educator and founding member of the Bristol Musicians Co-op, Langford has collaborated with a broad range of Southwest players including Phil Gibbs, Will Menter, Bob Helson, Tony Orrell, Paul Dunmall, Andy Sheppard and Keith Tippett. After a 20 year break to earn a living and raise a family, he returned to the Bristol improvising scene in 2013, founding Freetone Records and playing regularly since.
Aidan Searle – Drums.
Searle is a drummer and improviser active in Bristol’s free jazz, improvised and experimental scene. He currently plays with BRACE duo and Omega Institute trio, performing at events around the UK such as Flim Flam in London and Way Out Westport. He served as a ‘Soundcarrier’ for Damo Suzuki at his performances in Bristol.
Nigel Bryant – Oscillator/effects loop.
Bryant is an electronic explorer, guitarist, radio broadcaster, video producer and promoter. He co-ran the Sonic Imperfections series in SE London from 2014-2019 and continues to present the spin-off radio show on Resonance FM. He appeared with Rhys Chatham’s guitar orchestra and also served as a ‘Soundcarrier’ for Damo Suzuki. He currently plays with improvising trio Omega Institute and creates live solo electronics as RIM ACD.
Luke Annesley – Alto Sax.
Musician, composer, educator and music therapist, Annesley is equally at home playing from the ‘Great American Songbook’ as he is playing free improv. Since arriving in Bristol in 2021 he has collaborated across musical contexts and still can be heard in London venues such as The Vortex, Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express. His many appearances include recording with the Sinfonia of London and performing classic film scores. His own quartet Moonscape features trumpet player Jim Howard.
Kay Grant – Voice.
Grant is a vocalist and composer working in jazz and improvised music whose free approach is informed by range of stylistic experience. Also relocating from London to Bristol in 2021, local collaborators include Matthew Grigg, Raph Clarkson, Bob Helson, Tina Hitchens and Aaron Hawkins. She has played in the UK, Europe and the US with players including Alex Ward, Pat Thomas, John Russell, Hannah Marshall, and John Edwards in London, and Elliot Sharp, Shelley Hirsch and John Zorn in New York.
Broken Numbers – Tuesday 20 May 2025
Doors 19.30 – Show 20.00-22.00
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