Guitarist/composer Mike De Souza makes his SoundCellar debut, bringing his new project ‘Chrysalis’ to The Grasshopper. Performing original music composed during the pandemic, the band name alludes to the emergence from a state of isolation, having changed in a positive way, just as a butterfly emerges transformed from its chrysalis state. The ensemble features some of the most distinctive improvisers on the London Jazz scene including Tom Barford (Sax), Rick Simpson (Keys), Huw V Williams (Bass) and Jay Davis (Drums).
Click here for tickets to attend the physical gig.
Livestream Ticket link below
Mike De Souza grew up in Hertfordshire (UK), where he first picked up the guitar at the age of 12, marking the start of a life-long obsession with music. Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2014, he has completed multiple UK jazz tours, has performed festivals internationally in Krakow (Jazz Juniors 2021), Graz (Jazzwerkstatt 2017) and Northern Spain (Ni CaJazz! and EGA Jazz festivals 2022), and regularly performs at many of the UK’s most prestigious jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, and Pizza Express.
Since moving to London in 2012, he has worked with internationally renowned musicians including Terence Blanchard (2016), Martin Speake, and Byron Wallen, and has featured on numerous recordings as a side-man: Reflector (Twospeak), Beware of the Bear (Phil Meadows), and Music for Bosch People (Alex Paxton).
In 2017, he co-released the album ‘Pond Life’, also featuring SoundCellar favourite Rob Luft, as part of the group Big Bad Wolf, which was ranked 3rd in Jazzwise Magazine’s top 10 albums of the year, and received many positive reviews: “The title track affirms how inventively the quartet juggle tone colour, constantly renewing sub-themes, and subtly shifting grooves”– John Fordham, The Guardian.
As a leader, Mike has released 2 recordings to date: an EP entitled ‘Road Fork’(2018), and his debut album ‘Slow Burn’(2019). “Slow Burn is an impressive show of musical innovation and displays the guitarist’s knack for experimentation as well as his roots in jazz tradition”– All About Jazz.
Mike De Souza – Guitar
Tom Barford – Tenor Sax
Rick Simpson – Piano/Synth
Huw V Williams – Double Bass
Jay Davis – Drums
The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube, via a page available when you purchase a ticket through the link below.
All advance ticket buyers will receive an exclusive link to a video of the evening’s performance, available for one month.
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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.