Tuned In London

Anglo-Belgian multi-instrumentalist contemporary folk duo Oftentimes straddles some familiar musical horses on a breathless gallop to a land of unfamiliar originality. Among the horses we know (bluegrass fiddle, funky flute, jazzy sax, folk accordion and tight vocal harmonies) sits a carriage of technical prowess as the use of live looping creates rich soundscapes allowing for layered musical acrobatics. Oftentimes trotting out a song in 5/4 or a slow 6, a rocky 4/4 or a jig in 3, “Oftentimes” are as at home lingering over green pastures of touching poignancy as leaping over fiery valleys of searing political commentary. Their fiercely original music is not so much a repetition of known musical styles, rather a reinvention of musical possibilities ('moins une habitude qu’une réinvention') by Wolfe Hogan and Jennifer El Gammal.

Oftentimes' website

Kham, meaning "Raw" in Arabic, is the latest project of Bethlehem-based Nay maestro Faris Ishaq who wowed us with his unique playing of this ancient Middle Eastern flute and simultaneous leg-percussion back in December. Inspired by the raw material of the Nay, made from sugarcane, Faris’ artistic journey honours its Palestinian roots and stretches like none other the potential of this minimalist instrument. Faris is joined by Australian jazz harpist and vocalist Tara Minton, creating an intricate dialogue, and they take their audience on an immersive sonic journey: timeless sounds and modern artistry combine, as they elegantly navigate diverse musical landscapes. We will be raising funds for humanitarian aid to Gaza, organisation to be confirmed.

Faris Ishaq's website

Tara Minton's website

"Ethno Album of the Year" is the nomination attained for their most recent album by Ensemble Gamut!, whose "refreshing, soothing, intriguing and enlightening" music has attracted international interest across genres. This exceptional harp, jouhikko, blockflute (recorder) and voice trio from Finland, who combine and daringly rearrange elements from medieval music and Finnish folk songs, intertwining improvisation and electronic soundscapes, will be playing the London launch of their third album "MI", an exploration of the boundary between the living and the non-living, asking what is alive and what has already faded into extinction. The endangered flowers of the Arctic are a central focus, with this a rallying cry to protect them: there is still time.

From wild flowers to walled gardens: mystical spell-songs, 'rūn' in Old English, are the inspiration for the recently formed London-based Rune, whose fascination with the rare and touching beauty of music dating back 700 years runs deep. They present 14th century Boccaccio’s Decameron, a mosaic of musical stories from early modern Europe, portraying various aspects of human nature and experience through some of the most beautiful music of the time. This special double bill concert draws together two different ensembles whose common love of harp, recorder, ancient strings and vocals will conjure a unique evening guaranteed to impress.

Ensemble Gamut!'s website

Rune's website