Double Bill: Karim Saber Quintet + Sacha Harlan's 'Contexture'

Karim Saber Quintet

Born and raised in London, British/Iranian guitarist Karim Saber is steadily building a profile as both a performer and composer to watch. Known for his instrumental prowess and creativity, he established his Quintet, which features four of London’s most virtuosic and in-demand young musicians in 2021. His debut album ‘Transmission,’ was released on UK based label Ubuntu music in January 2024 and a second album is scheduled to be released in late 2025.

Amidst the many London guitarists, Karim Saber is one who’s playing I am most excited about. He’s got ferocious chops, a great repertoire and I really enjoy his writing Ant Law

Karim is one of the most recognisable and distinctive guitarists to emerge on the UK jazz scene in recent years. His compositions, tone and ideas are unique to him, and I absolutely love this new album he has put together. I think he will be a much sought after play once audiences get a chance to hear this beautiful set of original tunes Chris Montague

Virtuosic abilities Jazz Journal

Sacha Harlan’s ‘Contexture’

Contexture is the opening statement as a leader from drummer and composer Sacha Harlan. A continuation of his long-standing musical partnership with bassist Kobe Heath-Ngugi, interwoven with the tightly unified pairing of saxophonist George Mooney and trombonist Olivia Hughes. Their embodiment of a heavy group interdependence conjures immediate and radical evolutions within their improvisation, contributing to a naturally fiery, extroverted and highly playful sound.

Sacha Harlan (b. 2003, London) is a drummer and composer whose approach aims to move beyond the commercial distinctions between traditionalist jazz music and free-improvised experimental music. With a background in contemporary circus arts, he carries an acute interest in revitalising the performance and presentation of live, group-improvisation. During lockdown he was mentored by Dave King, drummer and composer in The Bad Plus. This pivotal experience helped shape Sacha’s identity as an artist. As a duo, Sacha and bassist Kobe Heath-Ngugi have collaborated with the top forces in the British Jazz scene such as Byron Wallen and Hans Koller, co-led their own group Miles From Nowhere and rocked Glastonbury 2022 with Glenn Tilbrook. Sacha particularly values his work with Tom Challenger; you can hear them together with Caius Williams and Noah Stoneman on their 2024 releases Pointe In Line and Hext.

…an exceptional, careful instrumental versatility and an extraordinary ear. – Victoria Kingham (Hasting Independent)

Sacha displays an original voice far beyond his years. – Dave King (The Bad Plus)