Adam Glasser Quartet – a celebration of South African Jazz, Sat 31 August, @Seven Arts 7.30pm

at Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, Seven Arts, Saturday 31 August 7.30pm

Like the township jazz of Hugh Masakela , Ladyship Black Mambazo, Abdullah Ibrahim? Then you’ll love this concert on Saturday 31 August at Seven Arts leeds as part of te Chapel Allerton Arts festival.South African-born Adam Glasser returns to Leeds with his latest quartet. A leading exponent of South African township jazz,

South African-born chromatic harmonica player (and pianist) Adam Glasser is at once a true original and a guardian of one of the world’s most identifiably national jazz traditions – South Africa’s tradition comparing favourably with Cuba’s and Brazil’s for its originality and local colour. He has developed a highly personal sound, both on harmonica and on what some call “township jazz piano.”

Adam Glasser’s unique harmonica sound combines his South African roots make for a superb evening of South African jazz. Initially playing piano his own groups as well as for SA legends such Dudu Pukwana, and as musical director for 16 years of the veteran SA vocal group the Manhattan Brothers where he produced their final album ‘Inyembezi’ for EMI in 2006.

Adam has since released 2 critically acclaimed albums of his own – ‘Free at First’ (2010 SAMA Best Modern Jazz Album)and ‘Mzansi’ (nominated 2012 SAMA Best Jazz Album).

“[Adam Glasser]… has brought a truly unique voice and idiom to the constantly evolving language of jazz… a challenge to equal for sheer scope of virtuosity, musicality and surprise” – AllAboutJazz

“…lucid harmonica…equally lucid piano” – Glasgow Herald

Ant Law’s only formal schooling was a scholarship at Berklee College after becoming obsessed with jazz. Since then his own quintet, including Ivo Neame, has released four albums. His other innovative projects include the international collaboration for the ‘Same Moon in the Same World’ project featuring the likes of Linda May Han Oh, Jasper Høiby, and Jeff Ballard and he is one third of Trio HLK who have collaborated with Evelyn Glennie and cellist Natalie Clein. www.antlaw.co.uk/

“Law is one of the UK’s most distinctive guitarists…” – The Jazz Mann

“Terrific and highly accomplished” – The Jazz Breakfast

Steve Watts has been playing jazz on the British scene for over 25 years, during which time he has worked with many musicians of international stature, including, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzman, Joe Lovano, Kirk Lightsey. Norma Winstone, Nikki Iles and Mike Walker.

Corrie Dick, a previous winner of BBC Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year prize, is an essential component of any project lead by Laura Jurd, including Mercury Prize shortlisted band Dinosaur and is also a key member of the Elliot Galvin Trio, Jasper Høiby’s Fellow Creatures and leads his own group. www.corriedick.com/