Sunday 17 August 2025, 7.30pm
Thrilled to present a very special residency with the one and only John Edwards! John has been a mainstay at OTO since the very beginning and has provided so many highlights here that it's impossible to keep count. Despite playing in various series alongside other artists, we've somehow never hosted a residency here dedicated to John himself. These three days aim to rectify that, bringing together an amazing line-up of improvising musicians alongside one of the all-time great jazz bassists.
"Since it's opening in 2008 I've played so many times at Cafe Oto it has become something like a second home to me, therefore it's a great pleasure to be asked to programme these three days.
What a luxury - although I could easily imagine a whole year's worth of concerts !
At first I drew up a list of working groups that I love to play with but quickly realised it was going to be impossible to choose to invite some and not others.
So I decided to put together combinations that have never existed before, to take the opportunity to introduce some musicians to each other for the first time and make that fantastic leap into the unknown when we improvise.
Huge thanks to these wonderful musical alchemists, huge thanks to the Oto and of course, to the great Oto audiences." – John Edwards
John Edwards grew up in London and started experimenting with the bass guitar before he switched in his twenties to play double bass. He is deeply rooted in the creative free jazz and improvisation genre. Since the 80ties he is as soloist and in many groups and ensembles in Europe active and became one of the most renowned bass players. He played/plays regular for example with Peter Brötzmann, Joe Mc Phee, Phil Minton, Maggie Nichols, Evan Parker, Roscoe Michtell, Louis Moholo-Moholo, Mark Sanders, Caroline Kraabel, John Butcher, Pat Thomas, Irène Schweizer, Hans Koch, Florian Stoffner, Gabriele Mitelli, John Dikeman.
"I think John Edwards is absolutely remarkable: there’s never been anything like him before, anywhere in jazz." - Richard Williams, The Blue Moment
Camila Nebbia from Buenos Aires, based in Berlin, is a saxophone player, composer, improviser, visual artist and curator. Described by Jazz PT magazine as “an essential saxophonist of our time”. The multidisciplinary artist layers her practice through the creation and destruction of archival memory, exploring the concepts of identity, migration, and memory. Her work includes improvised and composed music, film creation, and audiovisual performances, forming a constellation of interconnected practices.
Her solo album –'una ofrenda a la ausencia' (an offering to absence) with Relative Pitch Records– was described by the NYC Jazz Record as an 'innately human and personal album, surprising listeners with a passionate approach to jazz'.
She has performed with artists such as Marilyn Crispell, Michael Formanek, Angelica Sanchez, Lesley Mok, Kit Downes, Andrew Lisle, Chris Corsano, John Edwards, and Hamid Drake, among many others.
Co-funder together with Maria Grand and Marta Sanchez of the independent record label Lilaila. Co-curator of the interdisciplinary festival “Guillotina'' in Buenos Aires, and curator of the streaming concert series called “A door in the mountain”. Curates the series “Disfigured Rivers” based in Berlin and its part of the curatorial team of the experimental music series Future Bash Reloaded & Luisen105.
Part of her current projects are: Nebbia/Downes/Lisle "Exhaust" with Kit Downes & Andrew Lisle, Camila Nebbia & Angelica Sanchez Duo, Camila Nebbia solo, Nebbia Formaneck Sperrazza trio with Vinnie Sperrazza & Michael Formanek, Camila Nebbia's The Hanged One sextet, "Presencia" with James Banner and Max Andrzejewski, among others. Was nominated for the German Jazz Prize Woodwind category 2024, 2025 & 2026 and Album of the Year category 2026.
Camila Nebbia is endorsed by D'Addario Woodwinds.
https://camilanebbia.com/
https://camilanebbia.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lamujerparecidaami/
Sun-Mi Hong, an acclaimed South Korean drummer based in Amsterdam, is a rising star known for her boundless creativity and infectious energy. Winner of prestigious awards including the Edison Award and the SENA Dutch Jazz Competition, Sun-Mi's music blends rooted grooves with exhilarating outbursts.
Sun-Mi Hong has emerged as a rising star in the vibrant jazz scene of the Dutch capital. Her accolades include winning the SENA Dutch Jazz Competition in 2018 and receiving the prestigious Edison Award in the National category for her critically acclaimed album ‘A Self-Strewn Portrait’ released by ZenneZ Records.
Established in 2012 and officially formed in 2017, Sun-Mi’s longstanding quintet showcases a harmonious blend of original compositions and fearless explorations into the realm of improvised music. With their collective musical prowess, they constantly challenge boundaries and venture into uncharted sonic territories.
Sun-Mi’s journey in music has been marked by remarkable achievements. Overcoming challenges and negativity in her upbringing, she found solace in drumming, which soon became her passion and source of inspiration. Pursuing her dreams amidst criticism and pressure to conform, Sun-Mi took a leap of faith by relocating to Amsterdam over a decade ago. This bold move paid off, as she quickly gained recognition in the city and beyond, solidifying her position as one of the most promising talents in European jazz.
Sun-Mi Hong’s story is one of triumph, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. As a drummer and composer, she captivates audiences with her infectious energy and pushes the boundaries of jazz while remaining true to her roots. Her music transcends borders, evoking a wide range of emotions and transporting listeners to a captivating sonic landscape. With each release, Sun-Mi Hong continues to forge her own path, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz.
