75% capacity event.

QWAK club at the Cube returns after a 20-month hiatus! We are absolutely ecstatic to be presenting this typically eclectic line-up, perfectly suited to banishing the Sunday scaries. 

---

PAT THOMAS / DOMINIC LASH / TONY ORRELL

(piano / double bass / drums)

Three of the UK's most highly-regarded and adventurous improvisers come together to perform live for the first time since the release of the near flawless album 'Bleyschool' (577 records), a homage to legendary pianist Paul Bley, drawing on both his tunes and improvisational approach. Bley’s music encompassed latin-inspired grooves, deceptively simple and catchy melodies, as well as freer improvisations. His willingness to collaborate openly with European improvisers as well as being part of the American tradition was an attractive template to follow.

Pat Thomas, Dominic Lash and Tony Orrell grew up in the UK with the children’s tv series Play School and when searching for a name for this album could not resist the pun - the inspiring figure of Bley combined with the element of childlike experimentation.

When the group decided to record in Bristol, UK there was no discussion about what to play, other than keeping in mind the process Paul Bley used in his long career. This included the desire not to repeat himself, and to be open to all the opportunities afforded by playing with timeless tunes, de- and re- constructing them at will. Hence the shout-outs to Carla Bley, Ornette Coleman and Duke Ellington.

"Sartorially shabby as Thomas may be, and on first impression even rather stolid, he has a somewhat imperious charisma that’s immediately amplified when he starts to play. Unlike other pianists whose virtuosity seems to be racing ahead of their thought processes Thomas always seems supremely in command of his gift, and his playing, no matter how free and ready to tangle with abstraction, always carries a charge of authoritative exactitude." - The Jazzmann

---

MARIAM REZAEI

(Turntables)

Via a myriad of turntable techniques, Mariam explores the endless sonic capabilities of the turntable, often to the unexpected extremes. A frequent collaborator, last year's album 'Skeen' on Fractal Meat Cuts featured appearances from YOL, Petronn Sphene (Guttersnipe), Kenosist, SW1n-HUNTER, Fritz Welch, Tony Bevan and Sharon Gal.

She completed and was awarded her Doctoral degree in the Philosophy of Composition For Turntable and Ensemble at Durham University in May 2016 and is a lecturer in Music Technology and Composition at Newcastle University. She leads experimental arts project TOPH in Newcastle, whose activities include curating a regular series of concerts for TUSK Festival.

Recent notable works include; ‘Wolf’s Tail : II’ for Archipel Festival, April 2021.  ‘Paradoxes’, West Den Haag, 2021. ‘Our Whites’, Tectonics Virtual 2021.  Duos with Cath Tyler and Stephen Bishop for TUSK VIRTUAL 2020 and BBC Radio 3 Late Stages, Oct and Nov 2020.  BBC Radio Freeness ’SKEEN’, July 2020. ‘AGENCY-SKEEN’, AMPLIFY 2020. ‘The 42 Mirrors of Narcissus’ TUSK Festival 2019. ‘Wolf’s Tail’ HCMF 2019. ’TOP///‘  at Tectonics Mosaic/Cresc. Festival 2018, Wiesbaden, for Ilan Volkov, and Ensemble Modern. 

<< Have listen >>

<< Learn more - Quietus Interview >>

---

MATTHEW GRIGG / TINA HITCHENS / DAN JOHNSON

(guitar / flute / drums)

These three young musicians have established themselves as the most consistently ear-pleasing players in Bristol's experimental / weirdo / DIY scenes. Tina and Daniel recently performed a particularly absorbing set at one of their Deep Listening events at Strange Brew, and the addition of Matthew's contorted guitar playing should prove for an immensely engrossing and satisfying set.

Matthew runs the label 'Unknown Tongue', organises the festival 'Tongue Theory' along with many gigs locally.  Some of Tina's other musical projects include Tisla (solo), Harpoon, Pigeon, Wendy Miasma and Viridian. Dan Johnson has solo releases on Liquid Library, and frequently collaborates with many locally, often observed drumming in EP/64.

---

**IMPORTANT** In the interests of everyone's safety and comfort, this event will be running at 75% capacity. Whilst it is not compulsory, it would be much appreciated if masks can be worn at all times whilst in the building. Proof of a negative lateral flow test (within 48 hours of event) or double vaccination will be required before entry.

---

Concessions: For anyone who would find the full ticket price too much of a stretch. We are only able to offer a limited amount of these, so please do not take the piss.

---

QWAK club is a carefully curated night at The Cube Microplex, bringing the outer reaches of sound, vision and performance together with a fun and inclusive atmosphere. All ticket revenue goes to the performing artists and towards the running of The Cube.