The first time Corey Mwamba, George Burt & Andy Champion came together was last June, when Jazz North East was asked to put together a sympathetic group of improvising musicians to work with the visiting New York viola player Mat Maneri. Even though they’d never previously met, there was an immediate musical chemistry, and their approaches gelled so well that they agreed to play together again if an opportunity arose.

So when the Music Department at Newcastle University asked us to suggest a band for one of their free lunchtime concerts, we didn't hesitate to suggest that we re-unite them . . . and here they are, celebrating ‘Life After Mat’.

After last June's performance, Mat Maneri described it as “one of the most enjoyable gigs I’ve played in years”. From somebody who works regularly with the cream of the American free jazz scene, that’s high praise indeed. At this lunchtime recital we have the chance to find out just why he was so impressed.