Composer and pianist Ben Oliver leads an exciting new band, Declare Sextet, in contemporary jazz music composed by, or co-created with, members of the Myanmar Jazz Club. Expect gnarly grooves, Burmese traditional folk influences, sounds of protest, struggle and of celebration, free creative improvisation and playful explorations of recorded sound. Music that embodies resilience and explores jazz as freedom of expression.

Featured composers include Meemi, Lin Myat, Moe Myat May Zarchi, Nyan Lin Htet, Saw Moses and Thu Ta Aung. Their new pieces have been created in response to workshops developed by UK-based musicians (Ben, Dan Mar-Molinero, Tamar Osborn, Liz Gre) focused on topics including contemporary jazz composition techniques, composing with field recordings and creating graphic scores. The gig will culminate with a brand-new extended work, Breaking the Walls, co-composed by Ben and Myanmar Jazz Club’s director Itö.

Declare Sextet brings together an eclectic and creative group of musicians; cellist Francesca Ter-Berg (Fran & Flora, Imogen Heap, Tom Skinner), Ivor Award nominated saxophonist and composer Dan Mar-Molinero, saxophonist, composer and multi-wind instrumentalist Tamar Osborn (Collocutor, Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, Flock), emerging bassist George Balmont and drummer Jake Long (Asoma, Gary Bartz).

Tamar Osborn baritone saxophone & woodwinds
Dan Mar-Molinero saxophones
Francesca Ter-Berg cello
Ben Oliver keys, electronics
George Balmont bass
Jake Long drums

…discreetly inventive commentar[y]. Jazzwise

Part of the British Council ‘Connections Through Culture 2023’ project ‘4E JAZZ!: Expanding, Exploring, Exchanging and Experimenting with Sound’

Image: Tamar Osborn © Greg de Wode