2013 Artist Announcment

13-16th February 2013 | Project Arts Centre, DUBLIN | www.12points.ie

Wednesday 13th February

From Helsinki, Mopo
Headed up by a gutsy baritone saxophone, Mopo take us on a freewheeling ride, from speed punk to funky Afrobeat, with occasional flashes of mordant Finnish humour, free blowing and music hall nostalgia.
“The splendidly stunning atmosphere of the gig absolutely made one believe in the future of jazz.” Suomijazz.com

From Berlin, Olivia Trummer Trio
An unusually versatile artist, excelling at classical and jazz piano, songwriting and singing in both English and German. Her music is bright and engaging throughout. Olivia comes to Dublin with her Berlin based rhythm section in tow.
“This pianist and singer overtakes contrary jazz conventions and expectations, relying instead on the liberal principles of the improvisational music. A victory right down the line " - Jazz Podium

From Strasbourg, Ozma
With a colourful performance and explosive sounds, Ozma appeal to a wide audience, dancing halfway between a mutant post-rock noise and a jungle of pop-jazz.
“Very organic scores, long forms and exciting contrasts. The influence of Led Zeppelin comes to mind…” Jazzman magazine

Thursday 14th February
From Geneva, Sarah Buechi's THALi
Sarah Buechi’s THALi have an equilibrium that marries the rhythmic treasures of the Indian sub-continent with a sophisticated Western approach to artful song based structures.
"This evolving artist is already making inroads in bridging the two traditions, jazz and traditional Indian music, to create an arresting fusion of styles" - Reels to Ragas, RTE Lyric FM

From Gothenburg, Soil Collectors
Something wild and enchanting is at work here, tapping into Scandinavian choral traditions and an open, uncultivated Mother earth, as vocalists Isabel Sörling and Hannah Tolf morph effortlessly from intimate Bjork-like delivery into liberating improv.
“A powerful sound that alternates between epic soundscapes, often created in the moment, and gorgeous subtle compositions” - Tabberaset

From Dublin, OKO
Running the gamut from delicately-sculpted, electro-acoustic shapes, to gritty streetwise funk, bassist Shane Latimer is joined by Shane O'Donovan on drums, Darragh O'Kelly on keys and Djackulate dropping beats on the decks.
“Edgy electric jazz” - The Irish Times

Friday 15th February

From Trondheim, Hanna Paulsberg Concept
The combination of tenor saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg's strong, melodic compositions and ensemble interaction create great improvisational freedom. The compositions are deeply rooted in the African American jazz tradition with a young Norwegian twist making for a fresh and unique expression.
“The mature, melodic streak running through their material was executed with exemplary style.” London Jazz

From Thessaloniki, Nikolas Anadolis
This young solo pianist shows an exceptional grasp of piano aesthetics and formidable prowess across all registers of the keyboard, with short form, lucid improvisations that owe as much to Ligeti as they do to Tristano.
“An assured and dynamic performance” - TheJazzman.com

From Vienna, koenigleopold
The young Vienna duo koenigleopold, consisting of Lukas König and Leo Riegler, is the inventor and sole proprietor of a highly original musical theatrical style; a show that veers from virtuosic exultation to comedy to embarrassment, often in the course of a single piece.
“..Never before have I heard such a symbiosis of avant-garde and disco” – Der Bund

Saturday 16th February

From Rome, Enrico Zanisi Trio
Poetic and reflective in his ballads, buoyant and discursive when the tempo goes up, this is a pianist with an empathy for the trio, evocative of totems like Keith Jarrett and John Taylor, especially when he turns to the old standards.
“Enrico Zanisi plays with an assuredness that belies his years with a wonderful touch, lyricism and swing.” Manhattan School of Music 2009

From Amsterdam, Cactus Truck
This Trio creates startlingly intense music, not merely in terms of volume or velocity but through complete physical/psychological surrender. Physical, fast and punky, you’ll be a better person for immersing yourself briefly in the alternate world of Cactus Truck.
“Concerts of the year: Cactus Truck at Zebulon, NYC, 1 November 2012.” Best of 2012, NYC Jazz Record

From Manchester, Beats & Pieces Big Band
This dynamic 14 piece from Manchester are redefining the role of the big band for a new generation, with music that draws on a wide range of influences from Loose Tubes to Radiohead.
“They couple gale-force collective energy and confidence to startlingly original material that acknowledges big-band traditions while radically modernising them.” - The Guardian