Shatner's Bassoon

Shatner’s Bassoon are a group of six Leeds based composers/improvisers. Since forming in 2010 they have embarked on two tours of the UK, completed a PRS funded residency program, had a live show featured on BBC Jazz on 3, released three albums on their own label - 'Wasp Millionaire Records' and have been selected by Jazz North as 'Jazz Ambassadors of the North' on their 'Northern Line' program. Influenced by contemporary artists such as Tim Berne, Mr. Bungle, John Zorn, Frank Zappa, Tyshawn Sorey and a range of rock and electronica; and with a combined experience that includes eastern European folk, Hindustani music, Brazilian music, straight ahead and free jazz, reggae, metal, contemporary classical and musique concrete; Shatner’s Bassoon have developed a unique collective sound based on developing complex compositional structures through improvisation – allowing the music to be naturally infused by their experiences. The results can range from dense free noise through intense riffs and ambient textures. They play with musical clichés and conventions to produce music that negotiates a path from the beautiful to the sinister, humorous and surreal. Shatner's Bassoon are Michael Bardon - bass/electronics, Ollie Dover - sax/clarinet, Joost Hendrickx - drums/electronics, Andrew Lisle - drums, Johnny Richards - keys/electronics and Craig Scott - guitar/electronics.