BIMHUIS TV Presents: Fire! Orchestra

Great improvisation and energy by this orchestra with strings, horns, rhythm section and electronics, led by Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson (The Thing)

Sofia Jernberg vocals, Mariá Portugal vocals/drums, Julien Desprez guitar/vocals, Anna Lindal violin, Anna Neubert violin, Emily Wittbrodt cello, Mats Äleklint trombone, Heida Karine Johannesdottir tuba/electronics, Lina Allemano trumpet, Alistair Payne trumpet Mette Rasmussen baritone sax/alto sax, Anna Högberg baritone sax/alto sax, Adia Vanheerentals tenor sax/soprano sax, Mats Gustafsson baritone sax/live electronics/conductor, Alexander Zethson piano/keyboards, Mariam Rezaei turntables/electronics, Johan Berthling bass, Mads Forsby drums

Free jazz, contemporary classical, noise, improvised music, folk, hardcore, jazz, electronics, these are all genres you could attribute to the organism known as Fire! Orchestra. The ensemble’s latest project, ECHOES, is an epic work of over two hours: a journey through beauty, energetic passages, and masterful musicianship, led by Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson (The Thing) and bassist Johan Berthling (Fire! trio).

Now, thirteen years after its formation, the orchestra presents its newest project, WORDS: fresh music built on the band’s foundations. A steady groove by bassist Johan Berthling, saxophonist Mats Gustafsson at the helm as conductor and a constantly evolving line-up of top musicians.

Brutal heaviness, furiously fast crack, intense groove, extreme dynamics, immense beauty. (…) in a concert with Fire Orchestra, everything can be found, not infrequently all in one and the same song. (…) It is, as always, incredibly impressive. (Rasmus Klockljung, Lira)

Video: Micha de Kanter
Lights: Misha Pipercic
Audio: Marc Schots