The Ex & Brass Unbound - Live in Birmingham (2010) / post-punk, free jazz, brass, improvisation

A Wild and highly charged new commission for legendary Dutch group The Ex. Since forming in 1979 they have plotted a restless course from their anarchist punk origins to embrace noise, jazz, improv and influences from across the globe. A steady stream of boundary-breaking collaborations, releases, tours and films has established them as a unique force in rock music who are always on the move, but always sound like The Ex.
The Ex have hooked up with one of the most powerful horn sections imaginable for this one-off UK tour and sparks are sure to fly. Since 1979 this inspired, intrepid and seminal bands have consistently pushed the envelope, plotting a restless course from their anarchist punk origins to embrace everything from fractured noise to Ethiopian groove. Their thrillingly raw and rhythmic rock sound is born from their ideals, musical friendships/networks and work ethic. Alive to the moment, they are sometimes described as 'experimental trance-dance avant-afro-punk improv music' - and no one knows what descriptions this metamorphosis will conjure up.
On this tour The Ex plan to unleash a new wild and combustible show in collaboration with four of the world's most powerful and performative horn players for some in-the-red swing time. Brass Unbound comprise Swedish force of nature Mats Gustafsson (saxophone), Chicago jazz heavyweight Ken Vandermark (saxophone), Italian wild card Roy Paci (trumpet) and boundary busting classical/futurist Wolter Wierbos (trombone). The line up is dexterous and dangerous; as players, improvisers and entertainers this group are nothing short of phenomenal. Expect fireworks.
Zun Zun Egui storm in as support act. This Bristol based act have a heady mix of amped-up East African guitar, tearing Japanese synth action and a bounce-down rhythm section that crosses musical boundaries and physical borders with sheer delight.
Building on the storming success of the Sublime Frequencies tour that featured Omar Souleyman and Group Doueh, Sound and Music is delighted to be working in partnership with Bristol producers Qu Junktions for another unmissable project.