LONDON IMPROVISERS ORCHESTRA
"The LIO has in a short time become one of the most formidable large groups working in music . . . they have created a remarkable thing: a contemporary big band capable of free improvisation as well as compositions and conductions" - Robert Iannapollo, Cadence
"The kind of intensity, excitement, and invention that this ensemble creates via spontaneous means is unique in New Music circles." - Art Lange, Fanfare
"a powerful argument for the continuing appeal of large improvising ensembles and of free improvisation, here both thrilling and surprising in equal measures." - John Eyles, All About Jazz
The LIO was born from the embers of New York cornettist and conductor Butch Morris' "London Skyscraper" tour for the Contemporary Music Network tour in November 1997. Members of this ensemble decided to carry the project on, re-naming themselves The London Improvisers Orchestra. For ten months of the year, the orchestra meets up on the first Sunday of the month. Anybody in the orchestra who has an idea about how to control a group of individuals, who take pleasure in not being controlled, can rehearse in the afternoon. These pieces, mixed in with freely improvised pieces, make up the performances. For a decade these performances were at The Red Rose in Finsbury Park. Since its demise as a music venue, activities have shifted to the delightful Café Oto in Dalston.
Photo by Helen Petts
www.myspace.com/londonimprovisersorchestra