© Ginny Koppenhall, Lancaster Jazz Festival 2024
Loz Speyer returns to The Bear with his Inner Space project, following the release of their album Live in Leipzig. This is the first release from this exciting new lineup, featuring the unique saxophone duo of Xhosa Cole and Dee Byrne, alongside Loz’s trumpet, the freewheeling groove of Gary Willcox on drums, and Larry Bartley on double bass.
Inner Space plays jazz with a rare warmth and immediacy, with compositions that create spaces for free playing. The group explores new territories and discovers where the music might lead, while drawing deeply on jazz traditions dating back to bebop and New Orleans. Each piece evolves its own form, with five distinctive musicians working it all out in the here and now—the way it should be.
Although each musician shines individually, Inner Space is very much a collective. Arranged parts evoke the rich harmonies of a larger ensemble and interweave with interactive playing, where 'anything can happen'—drawing on the joyful, three-horn sound found in New Orleans jazz.
“One of the happiest evenings I’ve heard in jazz for many a long night... music as rare as this defies description. Go along and see them!”
“A thrilling and unpredictable listening experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering where the music will take you next”
“A gloriously unified collaboration”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / Free for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.