A homecoming gig for a great new trio of Irish players who have made their homes overseas – in Vienna, Berlin and London respectively.
Saxophonist Matthew Halpin, bassist Simon Jermyn and drummer Darren Beckett have all built impressive music careers and resumés on both sides of the Atlantic, and return home here to play what they describe as “twisted groove-base compositions, fuelled and directed by improvisation.”
Matthew Halpin is Professor of saxophone at Music University Vienna where he now lives. Perhaps best know in his native Ireland for his work as a member of the celebrated ‘Roamer’ quartet, he released his debut solo album ‘Agreements’ in 2019, and was supported in the project by a stellar line up of musicians, organist Kit Downes included.
Electric bassist Simon Jermyn is now based in Berlin. He spent many years in New York, where he worked with an array of great players including Tom Rainey, Ingrid Laubrock, and as a member of drummer Jim Black’s Smash and Grab. He’s also a member of Roamer alongside Matthew Halpin.
This new trio is completed by London-based Belfast-man Darren Beckett, a drummer to the stars who has played with Lauren Hill, Madeleine Peyroux and has toured the US as drummer with The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.
This gig is part of a series of late night shows in a pop-up gallery venue at Mermaid Arts Centre. Click on the link to find out more. Read also about the subsidised transport home we’re providing.