Food

Now in their twelfth year, and recently signed to ECM records, this groundbreaking group has toured and recorded internationally, creating thought provoking improvised music of great depth and beauty.   Made up by the core duo of British saxophonist Iain Ballamy and Norwegian percussionist Thomas Strønen, Foods’ extraordinary flexibility sees them joined by various like-minded musicians to create unique one-off performances every time they play.   With a dynamic and forward-thinking approach, their music incorporates juxtapositions of sound, space and texture. By combining acoustic elements including bells, blocks, gongs and a lyrical saxophone voice along with live sampling, drums and electronics, the musicians create moods using a broad palette that can range from minimalist to the angular and more turbulent end of the musical spectrum.   Ballamy and Strønen as formed the core of a chamber work entitled “Gold Acre” which was commissioned from Ballamy by BBC radio 3 and featured Arve Henriksen as the soloist with the London Sinfonietta. Gold Acre was premiered at Kings Place in London in November 2008.   Guest musicians who have performed with ‘Food’ include trumpeters Arve Henriksen, Nils Petter Molvaer and Tom Arthurs, Indian Sitarist Ravi Chary and keyboardist Morten Quenild.   "A stylistic match made in minimalist heaven" Jazzwise   "Double 5 star!" BBC Music Magazine