Alexander Hawkins is one of the leaders of a new young generation of musicians who are revisiting the relationship between formal compositions and free improvisation, allowing the players total improvisational freedom whilst retaining a connection with the mood established by the framing composition. His 6-piece Ensemble, whose debut CD 'No Now Is So' has received rave reviews, is the fullest expression of this development, using an unusual line-up of instruments to create intriguing new tonal colours, and allowing some marvellous combinations to emerge within the improvised sections.

A tremendous band which demonstrates that improv can be accessibly melodic without compromising its artistic challenge.