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You know the old saying “it takes one to know one”? In this case, it takes two to know two, as a pair of long standing duos connect in empathic, searching, and virtuosic collaboration.

The creative lives of basset clarinettist François Houle and guitarist/oud player Gordon Grdina have intertwined for over twenty years, in a wide variety of projects. As HELIOTROPE, they tap seamlessly into global traditions, avant-jazz, western classical music, and free improvisation to create “an interesting form of ‘art song’, full of melodies that are elegantly pared down and also elaborately latticed, with the deeply haunting oud quarter tones providing both a sense of solace and gravitas” (Jazzwise).

Irish-based Japanese pianist Izumi Kimura and US-born, Switzerland-based drummer/vocalist/vibraphonist Gerry Hemingway began working as a duo in 2016 developing their shared language through a series of residencies and performances in Ireland (as well developing further in a trio context with bassist Barry Guy). A refined language of formal structures, spontaneous invention, and unique interpretations of song was presented in their 2023 debut Kairos, “demonstrating that music can link effortlessly across time, genres, and any preconceptions in the hands of the right performers.” (Sammy Stein, Platinum Mind) This tour is coordinated with the release of their second album, How the Dust Falls released on Auricle Records.

Don’t miss two of creative music’s most alchemical duos combining for sublime and unrepeatable sonic shaping.

MORE: Izumi Kimura and Gerry Hemingway will also participate in TIME FLIES: Night One, June 26th at Revue Stage.

This performance made possible in part due to support from the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Culture Ireland.