It has been a while since we had the excellent bass player and composer Matt Ridley at SoundCellar, so we are thrilled to now welcome him back! He comes to us with his quintet The Antidote, all of whom are former ‘graduates’ of SoundCellar from various ensembles over the years!
Ticket link below
This gig will take place at The Grasshopper, 139 – 141 Bournemouth Rd, Poole BH14 9HT
The Antidote are an exciting young contemporary jazz quintet, featuring leading lights of the UK scene. Brainchild of bassist Matt Ridley, the music is firmly rooted within the contemporary jazz discipline, and also emanates both rock overtones and classical influences, evolved from decades of genuine passion for music. Matt inhabits his own space within the creative diaspora, being able to navigate a broad spectrum of inspirations and transform them into a vibrant and exciting sound.
The Antidote features the formidable quintet of Alex Hitchcock on saxophone, Ant Law on guitar, Tom Hewson on piano, Marc Michel on drums, and of course Matt Ridley on bass. With an insistence on detailed, expressive and thought-through compositions, Ridley allows time and space for both himself and his band members to express and showcase both their individual and collective talents through dynamic improvisation. The synergy between the group and a mutual understanding of each players’ specific nuances are more than apparent, while still allowing enough freedom for independent flair to shine though.
Combining this with the more melodic and compositional aspects of the music makes for a truly engaging experience. Rather than a ‘leader + sidemen’ attitude, Ridley has cultivated a genuine ‘band’ sound, as Tom Hewson elucidates:
“This project totally captured my imagination from the first minute of rehearsal. Matt has managed to create something full of incredible compositional range whilst staying totally grounded with this immediate, unpretentious sense of energy. As someone that came to jazz through rock and prog, I love that feeling of unshackling, that desire not to hold back from. The whole band really bought into the spirit from the start – something you can really hear on the record, and something that definitely comes across live.”
The eponymous debut album, released in 2021, is a firm favourite of SoundCellar’s John and received glowing reviews from across the globe from coveted publications such as Downbeat Magazine, BBC Music Magazine, Jazzwise, Ivan Rod (Denmark), JazzMania (Belgium) and Presto Music. The album also received a nomination for ‘Best Jazz Album of 2021’ in the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards UK, as well as making the Jazzwise ‘20 best jazz albums of 2021’ (worldwide) list. Incidentally, John also highly recommends the digital-only release of three extra pieces “The Antidote Reloaded” on Matt’s Bandcamp page.
‘One of the strongest releases by homegrown jazz talent in 2021′ **** Editors Choice, Jazzwise Magazine
‘His assuredness shines through in this set of taut, modernist originals, and his band are engaged and supportive’ **** BBC Music Magazine
‘It’s both Ridley’s excellent usage of his collaborators and his penchant for melody that is undoubtedly the main appeal of his music’ Recording of the Week, Presto Music
Line-up
Matt Ridley – Bass
Alex Hitchcock – Sax
Ant Law – Guitar
Tom Hewson – Keys
Marc Michel – Drums
Make sure you catch yet another wonderful young jazz ensemble that we are so pleased to be able to present for your delectation, here in deepest Dorset!
Entry is £13 + booking fee in advance through the below link, or £15 on the door (cash or card).
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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.