Opalinska & Whates at Mackintosh Queen's Cross

Opalińska & Whates. Both versatile and strikingly inventive musicians, Polish pianist Mira Opalińska and British bassist Douglas Whates have performed in many different settings, their combined output ranging from contemporary classical to European jazz. Taking inspiration from such varied genres and brought together by a shared aesthetic—particularly that improvised music should be deeper than arbitrary patterns of notes—this duo’s brand of contemporary jazz is as extraordinary as it is quietly powerful.

Audiences can expect a mix of spontaneous melodic improvising (often drawing from simple folk melodies or children’s rhymes) as well as music from their acclaimed debut Lumière; an album of unique arrangements of works by classic film and world cinema composers, Komeda, Morricone, Takemitsu and others. Also included will be the first UK performance of music from their forthcoming release for quasi-imprint Elsewhere Co., including a work inspired by Mackintosh....

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Opalińska & Whates. Both versatile and strikingly inventive musicians, Polish pianist Mira Opalińska and British bassist Douglas Whates have performed in many different settings, their combined output ranging from contemporary classical to European jazz. Taking inspiration from such varied genres and brought together by a shared aesthetic—particularly that improvised music should be deeper than arbitrary patterns of notes—this duo’s brand of contemporary jazz is as extraordinary as it is quietly powerful.

Audiences can expect a mix of spontaneous melodic improvising (often drawing from simple folk melodies or children’s rhymes) as well as music from their acclaimed debut Lumière; an album of unique arrangements of works by classic film and world cinema composers, Komeda, Morricone, Takemitsu and others. Also included will be the first UK performance of music from their forthcoming release for quasi-imprint Elsewhere Co., including a work inspired by Mackintosh.

Their album Lumière is enjoyable for those who like sensitive play; it’s chamber jazz in the ECM vein of Anat Fort or Marilyn Crispell, disciplined, simple and memorable. This pair have created a distinct world of sound for themselves, but one that is eminently enjoyable for the listener.

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