We have an extra special evening lined up, even by our extremely high standards, when we welcome the magnificent ALICE ZAWADZKI, accompanied by the fantastic Rob Luft and Misha Mullov-Abbado. Originally scheduled for May 2020, this was an event we were particularly disappointed about losing, when it fell foul of lockdown. It’s taken nearly two years (although Alice and Rob did give us one of our first and finest ‘In Our Own Space’ livestream performances in June 2020), so we’re delighted to host them at last.
This gig is now SOLD OUT! Tickets for the livestream are still available here
Not only is Alice an extremely talented violinist and pianist with a famously exquisite voice, but as John in the SoundCellar team will tell anyone within earshot, she is also an outstanding songwriter, as those of you lucky enough to attend this evening’s event (whether for real or via the livestream) will experience first hand.
Loosely connected to the jazz world but realistically inhabiting her own realm, Alice is a distinctive presence within the European creative music scene and beyond. Her rich musical background and “whimsical hyper-creativity” (MOJO Magazine) draw upon her early exposure to New Orleans jazz and gospel, an extensive classical training as a violinist, and a continuous exploration of improvisation, poetry, and folk music from diverse traditions, “all propelled in a voice of velvet suppleness and gutsy emotional power” (The Arts Desk).
Her 2019 release, ‘Within You Is A World Of Spring’ (Whirlwind Recordings) was met internationally with warm critical praise, being made Contemporary Album of the Month by The Guardian newspaper, and described by Jazzwise Magazine as “Tender in spirit and defiantly anti-genre… A cornucopia of delights.” ★★★★
Her debut album ‘China Lane’ was made Album of the Week by BBC Radio 3, she was described by The Guardian as “a genuine original” and she was nominated for vocalist of the year by both Jazz FM and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. As an interpreter of new and unusual works, she has premiered several large-scale works both in the UK and internationally. She contributes regularly to projects for organisations like Play For Progress (serving unaccompanied minor refugees in the UK), The Spitz Charitable Trust, and Live Music Now. She trained in Jazz voice and composition at the Royal Academy of Music and in violin at the Royal Northern College of Music, with scholarships from the Musicians Benevolent Fund and the Hilda Collens Prize.
“…the missing link between Ghost in the Machine-era Police and Hissing of Summer Lawns-era Joni Mitchell…lush and dynamically shifting…fascinating and stunningly original” New York Music Daily (USA)
“A technically perfect voice… the enormous artistic personality of Alice Zawadzki comes out…” Ondarock (Italy)
“Zawadzki’s larynx is a supple, expressive, rousing delight… something of a phenomenon” MOJO Magazine
“beguiling and unorthodox” The Independent (UK)
Adding ‘icing to the cake’, Alice’s band members for this evening are two of the UK’s most acclaimed and in-demand musicians – Rob Luft (guitar) and Misha Mullov-Abbado (acoustic bass). Superstars in their own right, appearing on many albums by top UK and international artists (including Alice’s ‘Within You Is A World Of Spring’), each of them also have highly acclaimed discographies under their own names. Both released their most recent albums right in the middle of 2020’s lockdown (Rob’s ‘Life Is The Dancer’ and Misha’s ‘Dream Circus’) and these are definitely worth seeking out, along with Alice’s two aforementioned albums, to add to your collection of up to date high quality music.
Photo by Tim Dunk
This gig will be held at The Avocet (formerly The Cow), next to Parkstone Railway Station. Please note the 20:00 (8 pm) start time for the foreseeable future
Entry is £13 + booking fee in advance. We know this gig is going to be particularly popular, so booking in advance through the below link is recommended.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month
Share this eventAMAZING OFFERS
15% pre-show food discount at The Grasshopper. Our regular host The Grasshopper, is kindly offering a 15% discount on food from their restaurant prior to every SoundCellar gig! Just show your ticket for that evening’s performance (the ticket QR code on your phone, or a printout). A table must be booked here or tel: 01202 741463 and food orders placed at least 60 minutes prior to the start time of the gig (eg by 7pm for a 8pm start).
(2) For young people: (i) U18s – FREE entry when accompanied by an adult; (ii) Age 18 to 25 – entry £10 (with NUS / TOTUM card). Simply select the relevant ticket option when booking. The offers are available for most of our gigs – please check individual listings for details. They are subject to seat availability, so for some gigs, it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Parking is free at The Grasshopper but you must register your vehicle at the bar.