Ysbryd is an exciting new project from saxophonist Helen Pillinger. Helen has gone back to her Welsh roots (her band contains a harp, of course…) to explore the links between jazz and folksong and the use of improvisation in both styles. Music to please both your mind and soul. .The concert forms part of our Women in Jazz autumn season
Helen is a Manchester-based saxophonist specialising in tenor and alto. Born into a musical family, Helen did not take up music until her early twenties. After establishing herself as a player, she soon secured places studying at Leeds College of Music and then Salford University. Helen has played with bands such as the Hilary Step Saxophone Quartet, M6, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and the piano and saxophone duo Counterpoint. Helen also works as an instrumental teacher in schools across Greater Manchester. More recently Helen has been studying Dalcroze at the RNCM.
Ysbryd (Welsh meaning – Spirit) is an exciting new project from saxophonist Helen Pillinger. After securing a place on the prestigious mjf hothouse scheme in 2018 Helen has gone back to her Welsh roots to explore the links between jazz and folksong and the use of improvisation in both styles.
Ysbryd features Helen on tenor saxophone, Helena Summerfied on soprano saxophone and flute, Maddie Herbert on harp, Dave Tompkins on double bass and Phil Bennett on drum kit. Expect to hear lyrical melodies and luscious harmonies played with a rhythmic lilt – music to please both your mind and soul.
Website link – www.hsqsax.org.uk
Music link – https://soundcloud.com/hillary-step-sax-quartet/hsq-shapechanger-sampler. Hear Helen, Helena and Phil collaborating on a previous project for the Hillary Step Saxophone Quartet (HSQ)
Helen Pillinger on tenor saxophone, Helena Summerfied on soprano saxophone, Maddy Herbert on harp, Dave Tompkins on double bass and Tim Franks on drums.
