Special live performances from two distinctive musical traditions bring an extra dimension to this celebration of music and sound. From contemporary blues to the evocative acoustic traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, each performance has been carefully chosen to celebrate music in its purest form—and to explore the powerful connection between artist, audience and beautiful sound.
On Saturday afternoon, get ready for tight grooves and good times with London’s Dust Me Down Blues Band. From authentic Chicago blues to seventies funk, gospel and the odd jazzy detour, this four-piece follows Black American music wherever the groove takes them.
Expect a charismatic, energising set from musicians steeped in London’s blues scene – soulful, sophisticated and deeply rooted in the groove.
Palestinian oud virtuoso Nizar Rohana and Dutch double bassist Tony Overwater have built one of the most quietly compelling conversations in contemporary improvised music. Stripped down to just oud and bass, this duo distils the deep musical kinship at the heart of the acclaimed Nizar Rohana Trio into its purest form: two voices, intertwining as equals.
Rohana's playing draws on the Arabic and Middle Eastern tradition while reaching outward to Bach, Miles Davis and Paco de Lucía. Overwater brings a jazz musician's lyricism and a lifelong curiosity for music beyond the Western canon, from Persian and Middle Eastern traditions to early European repertoire. Together they trade melody and countermelody, rhythm and harmony, in music that is rooted, reflective and full of quiet virtuosity. No percussion, no safety net, just two master musicians listening closely and building something new in real time – for your enjoyment on Sunday afternoon.
To add to the occasion, renowned live recording engineer Matthieu Latour of Nagra will record both performances, capturing the magic of exceptional musicianship forever!