Unfurl
Olivia Moore – Violin
Jim Faulkner — Electric Guitar
Gavin Barras – Bass
John Ball – Indian Santoor and Tabla
Dave Hassell — Percussion
Unfurl is a quartet whose music expands across continents, combining Indian Ragas with Jazz improvisation to create an original sound ranging from the dramatic to the sublime.
Unfurl have been enthusiastically received at numerous Jazz festivals across the country, including Manchester, Marsden, Marlborough, Brecon, Gateshead and London Jazz Festivals as well as in numerous clubs and theatre venues across the country.
In 2013 they were awarded a touring grant from “Jazz North” and an Arts Council England R&D Grant which allowed them to develop their material. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB2yt8WZVhM
The aim of the band is to bring together all our individual influences to create music which is original.
“This group has a very personal sound that is truly unique…each member brings a vast array of global influences to the table, but this is not world music or ethnic music; it is simply music — a fusion in the truest sense. Enriching and full of life.” Chris Ackerley thesoundofnow.com
“Different” and “Refreshing”, Tony Dudley-Evans Birmingham Symphony Hall Foyer “Wonderfully Eclectic Music” Scarborough Jazz
“Unfurl are a wonderful group of musicians who combine incredible musical subtlety and refinement with a real sense of musical adventure and exploration”, Capstone Theatre
Jim Faulkner is an extremely accomplished guitarist, having studied contemporary classical music, world music, minimalism and free improvisation and played with many renowned musicians. Jim brings his extensive experience of performing modern Jazz and improvisation.
Gavin Barras is currently one of the most in demand bass players in the North West, regularly touring internationally with his own groups. Gavin brings he infectious enthusiasm to the band.
John Ball has been performing Indian music for the last fifteen years playing the tabla and the 100 stringed santoor accompanying sitarists, vocalists and dancers from the UK and abroad.
Dave Hassell is a leading light of percussion in the UK and teachers at the RNCM, Royal Academy of Music in London and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He was a member of Martin Speake’s Fever Pitch and Orchestra Mahatma.