One of the first ideas of the Occupation shows that was by having to do a show each and every month the pressure would lead me to do new and interesting things.
Two of the highlights for me so far have been the improvised spoken word pieces on Occupation 3 and 7. The first time accompanied by free improv artists Gail Brand and Mark Sanders and the second time with my own band, The Long Parliament.
I decided to stretch this idea into an experimental of story telling. I will write pieces for the night and ask musicians to provide improvised backing. I will perform the three or four spoken word pieces that have appeared on my records previously.
I will also perform the more story based/narrative songs from my back catalogue. So it isn’t totally an evening of prose.
The special guest is special, honest.
Tickets Here. http://www.wegottickets.com/event/268532
9th May 2014
The Vortex
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Doors 8pm
£12 Adv
www.hefnet.com
@DarrenHayman
@VortexJazz
@ThePopside
Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig:
“I love gigs. I hate gigs.
I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.
My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.
Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.
I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.
The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group, types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from through out my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.
The Vortex is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come.”