Zhenya Strigalev - alto sax (UK/Russia)
Ambrose Akinmusire - trumpet (USA)
Alex Sipiagin - trumpet (USA/Russia)
Linley Marthe - bass, keys (USA)
Justin Faulkner - drums (USA)
Zhenya Strigalev is back at the Zig Zag on the 1st of December with an incredible lineup featuring some of the best musicians in the International Jazz scene. Prepare for an evening of Jazz at its finest!!!
NEVER GROUP is a new album and project by saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev, which presents original music from saxophonist Zhenya (Alex Sipiagin, Aaron Parks, Larry Grenadier, Matt Garrison, Chris "Daddy" Dave, Ambrose Akinmusire, "Foley" McCreary, etc).
Building a reputation on both sides of the North Atlantic for his adventurous and impassioned emphasis on improvisation, Never Group! is an experience that matches quirky abandon with resolute musicianship and technicality.
Ambrose Akinmusire
The New York Times has described Ambrose Akinmusire’s music as existing in “the realm of poignant possibility & artful implication, & not a small amount of beauty. For a jazz trumpet player, you couldn't be more on top of the world than Ambrose Akinmusire. The 32-year-old is looking good on the cover of this month's DownBeat, and he's managed to please the jazz critics and connect with audiences. It goes without saying that Akinmusire can tear it up on the trumpet.
Alex Sipiagin
In 1991, Russian born trumpet player Alex Sipiagin moved to New York City from Moscow in pursuit of a career in jazz. Sitting in at jam sessions for over a year, he finally landed his first major gig in 1992, playing every Monday night with the Gil Evans Band at Sweet Basil. Alex would go on to work with such groups as Gil Goldstein’s Zebra Coast Orchestra, Mingus Big Band, Dave Holland, and Michael Brecker’s Quindectet. Additionally, Alex has performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Elvis Costello, and Dave Sanborn, to name a few. As a soloist, he has recorded sixteen CDs as a leader
Linley Marthe
Linley was the last bassist for the late, great keyboardist Joe Zawinul, and has been wowing audiences around the world with his incredible musicianship and deep groove.
A master of electric and upright bass as well as piano, Linley's sound and style have made him one of the most sought-after sidemen in the world. He's a composer and arranger for many artists on his native Maurice Island.
Linley was the last in a long line of great bassists (including Jaco Pastorius) to perform and record with the late, great keyboardist, Joe Zawinul, who passed away in 2007.
Linley has performed with the Paco Sèry Group, Antoine Hervè, Michel Portal, Francois Jeanneau Quartet, Francis Lassus Nguyen Lè, Louis Winsberg, Karim Ziad, Cheb Mami, Mino Cinelu and Richard Galliano.
Justin Faulkner
The rare balance of passionate ambition and mature dedication that are the hallmark of young professionals puts them in a category all their own. More often than not they began honing their skills at an early age and it seems as if life conspired to help them succeed. Justin Faulkner, the young drummer for the legendary Branford Marsalis's band, has a story that fits this description to a T. At 23 years of age, it's remarkable how many achievements he has under his belt.