7 of 9!

9! is an ensemble that emerged early in the decade from the improvisation workshop convened (and which continues to this day) by Eddie Prévost in 1999. 9! went on the make performances as part of the ongoing Interlace series at Goldsmiths' College, and has also

been featured at London's 'freedom of the city' festival. Its early activities culminated in the release of 'NONE -(-t)', mrcd54, released by Matchless Recordings in 2003.

Since then many of its players have travelled in pursuit of their musical studies in various ways. And, the concept of 9! has been kept alive by periodic performances by an augmented 9! that sometimes consisted of thirteen musicians. This performance is a reminder of 9!'s original presence. And, although it will sadly lack Marianthi Paplexandri (who now no longer resides in Britain), known for her audacious performances, and pianist Alex James — it will be a prompt to London audiences that there has been a re-orientation of practice and performance priorites in contemporary improvisation which is due in part and exemplified by 9!

Nathaniel Catchpole — tenor saxophone

Jamie Coleman — trumpet

Ross Lambert — guitar/preparations

John Lely — strings and things

Sebastian Lexer — piano/computer

Eddie Prévost — percussion

Seymour Wright — alto saxophone