Leaps in Leicester

Album Description

Alexander Hawkins and Evan Parker's collaborative album, 'Leaps in Leicester', is a masterful demonstration of free improvisation and European free jazz. Released on 8 April 2016 via Clean Feed, this captivating record showcases the duo's technical skill and inventive dialogue.

As a self-taught improviser and composer, Alexander Hawkins brings a unique perspective to the table, making him the perfect partner for the renowned saxophonist Evan Parker. Although they have worked together in various formations in the past, 'Leaps in Leicester' marks their first explorations as a duo. The result is a remarkable album that further solidifies Parker's sequence of duets with pianists, following in the footsteps of notable collaborations with Matthew Shipp and Sylvie Courvoisier.

The album features four tracks: 'Jump Start', 'Gambade', 'Capriole', and 'The Shimmy (For Tony Marsh)', which together create a rich and immersive listening experience lasting 1 hour and 9 minutes. With Hawkins on piano and Parker on tenor saxophone, the duo weaves a complex and engaging soundscape that showcases their exceptional musicianship.

As established players on the London and European free jazz scene, Alexander Hawkins and Evan Parker bring together their distinctive styles and generational perspectives to create an album of remarkable insight and technical skill. 'Leaps in Leicester' is a testament to the duo's masterful ability to craft an inventive and captivating dialogue, making it an essential listen for fans of free improvisation and avant-garde jazz.

April 8, 2016

About Alexander Hawkins

Alexander Hawkins is a pioneering British jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, celebrated for his innovative and unique sound that defies conventional categorization. Born in Oxford in 1981, Hawkins has carved out a distinctive niche in the modern creative music landscape, blending a deep fascination with composition and structure with a love for open forms and improvisation. His musical journey is marked by a profound affinity for the music of Ethiopia, honed through collaborations with legendary figures like Mulatu Astatke.

Hawkins leads several notable ensembles, including the Alexander Hawkins Ensemble, the Convergence Quartet, and the Hammond organ-based Decoy, each showcasing his versatility and creative prowess. His collaborations extend beyond his own groups, with notable partnerships including Sofia Jernberg, with whom he released the acclaimed album "Musho" in 2024. Hawkins' music has been described as "unlike anything else in modern creative music," with a sound that is both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.

Throughout his career, Hawkins has received numerous awards and commissions, solidifying his status as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. His performances and recordings are not just musical experiences but journeys into the depths of sound and structure, making him a standout figure in the contemporary jazz scene.