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| Third outing from Leeds based quartet Metropolis The Anglo/Norwegian, Leeds based quartet Metropolis recently released their third CD, 'III' (- named partly as a token of respect to their great heroes Led Zeppelin, and partly because it's their third album…). As a matter of fact, Metropolis like to dismantle things… Some of the things they have enjoyed dismantling since the formation of the group in 1998 are the compositions of their saxophonist, Petter. If we can think of the compositions as small, cute, fluffy rodents, then Metropolis would be the mean-spirited, evil children armed with staple guns and gaffer tape. As one disconcerted listener once pointed out, "I shouldn't like this… but I find it strangely compelling". Metropolis comprise of Petter Frost Fadnes, alto saxophone/electronics; Matthew Bourne, keys; Colin Sutton, bass/electronics; and, Nick Katuszonek, drums. They are (probably) the most educated (jazz?) quartet in the world… (- with four BAs, four MMus and two PhDs under their hats) which is something they do their uttermost to conceal in their music, often opting for the more immediate energy of metal, disco, techno etc., rather than the mouldy surroundings of jazz… Partially funded by the Centre for Jazz Studies UK, Leeds College of Music, the official release took place during the recent Leeds International Jazz Education Conference (at LCM) in front of an excited crowd of international delegates. Metropolis were thrilled to invite artist Kenneth Goodall to design the cover of 'III': Metropolis are proud members of Leeds Improvised Music Association (LIMA), an organisation run by Leeds musicians, promoters and artists to promote the bustling Leeds scene of world-class improvisers (www.limaonline.org.uk). Metropolis refuse to let their listeners be indifferent to their music, with a mission statement to awaken people from the modern menace of indifferent lull – you are meant to either like this music or… well… hate it. If you suffer from apathy even after listening to this… then we have failed! Let us know what you think? Petter Frost Fadnes (as., electr.) has worked regularly as a saxophone player since the age of 16, performing within everything from heavy metal to ska, improvised music and jazz. Petter spent four years at Leeds College of Music studying jazz, graduating with an MMus in jazz in 2000; he also obtained a PhD in Performance from University of Leeds in 2004. Petter now works as a full time lecturer at Leeds College of Music, and forms an important part of the vibrant Leeds music scene. He is also earning an abundance of frequent flyer miles by going over the pond to perform in his native country Norway on a regular basis. Other projects: The Geordie Approach, The LIMA Orchestra, Sharkestra, The Stavanger Kitchen Orchestra, Didrik Ingvaldsen Quartet Colin Sutton (bs., electr.) is a graduate of Leeds College of Music, where he ended up with a MMus degree in jazz composition. Colin is an extremely active musician within a range of genres, although he really shines when he gets to 'prepare' his bass with various gadgets and perform improvised music. In his element Colin is infamous for playing extremely loud, surrounded by his harem of electronic toys, and has a growing reputation as a musician capable of tackling any musical challenge. Colin is a bass tutor at Leeds College of Music. Other projects: 10CCC, Minghe Morte Matthew Bourne (pn., electr.) graduated from Leeds College of Music in 2001 with an MMus is jazz performance, and recently successfully completed a PhD in Performance at University of Leeds. Matthew is a vital part of the up-and-coming generation of improvisers in the UK, and has already established an international reputation as an outstanding piano player. His trademark flickering between the sublime and the ugly always ensures an exciting listening experience. Matthew teaches composition and piano at Leeds College of Music. Other projects: Broadway Project, Bourne Davis Kane, Distortion Trio, The Electric Dr M Nicholas Katuszonek (dr.) is a graduate of Leeds College of Music where he ended up with an MMus degree in jazz performance. In fear of loosing Nick to the wider world, the College quickly hired him as jazz lecturer and drum tutor. Nick has performed and recorded with numerous leading jazz artists ranging from British saxophonist Jan Kopinski to Norwegian composer/trumpet player Didrik Ingvaldsen. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |