John Surman announces…

4 Aug

‘…as formative an influence as Bowie and Bolan, Roxy Music and Joy Division.’ (Guardian)

In August 2024, we wish a very happy 80th birthday to the award-winning UK multi-instrumentalist and composer John Surman. This milestone year has seen him touring across Europe with his latest ECM recording Words Unspoken, made and performed live with an acclaimed intergenerational band, Rob Luft (guitar), Rob Waring (vibraphone) and Thomas Strønen(drums).

After over 60 years of sharing his music live with fans across the world — where he has played in concert halls and clubs, at indoor and outdoor festivals, in churches, cathedrals and in front of, and with, audiences of all ages and abilities — John has decided to stop touring, so his last international performances will be in Berlin and Hamburg this year.

This does not mean that John is retiring from music. He will continue to compose, record and broadcast and leaves open the option of future performances in Oslo — where he lives.

John thanks everyone — those on stage and off — who have made his life on the road so memorable, and we thank Music Norway for supporting this final tour.

Arts & Parts will continue to be the contact for John and we’d love to see and hear a commissioned work in the near future. If you’ve got some ideas about where this might be and what form it might take, please be in touch with us here.

And finally for now, do yourself a favour and purchase the sublime ECM recording…or listen for free and listen often, here.

Image: Studio Fuglseth

For more information see: johnsurman.com

Martel Ollerenshaw

John Surman announces…

‘…as formative an influence as Bowie and Bolan, Roxy Music and Joy Division.’ (Guardian)

Seven Soniferous Hours…