Metronome: Paul G. Smyth; Lisa Dowdall

Paul G. Smyth 
Lisa Dowdall

“A revelation … His approach to the piano is utterly original”
The New York City Jazz Record
 
“One of the great contemporary pianists”
The Free Jazz Collective
 
Since the late 90s, Paul G. Smyth has been carving a unique furrow into Ireland’s cultural landscape. Parallel to his involvement with The Jimmy Cake (described by the Irish Times as “the most powerful musical force in Ireland”), Smyth has also set himself apart as a singular voice in Europe’s vigorous improvised music scene.
 
Since touring with Charles Gayle in 1999, he has worked with such luminaries as Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Keiji Haino, Barry Guy, Wadada Leo Smith, John Russell, John Edwards, Chris Corsano, Lol Coxhill, Charles Hayward, John Butcher, Hannah Marshall, Mark Sanders and Damo Suzuki, among many others, been a member of synth trio Boys Of Summer (“the sound of John Carpenter being buried alive” – Le Cool Magazine), a featured composer in the National Concert Hall, written music for theatre, and performed in 18 countries.
 
Smyth has released critically acclaimed duo albums with Peter Brötzmann, Evan Parker, Chris Corsano. John Wiese and John Russell on his label Weekertoft, which he co-founded with Russell in 2016.

An inventive and multifaceted musician, Lisa Dowdall has focused her practice on experimentation through music in all its forms from early music through classical to hardcore contemporary, exploring new musical genres, art forms and collaborations. Lisa’s passion for authentic early music performance has led her to explore the world of the baroque viola and viola d’amore. On the viola d’amore Lisa has merged her baroque and contemporary experiences, collaborating with composers, improvisers, poets, dancers, singer songwriters and film scorers.

Presented by NCH