Vula Viel & Peter Zummo + Free Range Orchestra album launch

Dance to it, make love to it, stare at the clouds to it (Iggy Pop)

Formed by Bex Burch in 2015, Vula Viel’s music has shifted over the course of their three critically acclaimed albums from Afro-jazz-tinged adaptations of traditional Dagaare music towards a unique sound rooted in post punk.

Placing Bex’s rawly delivered gyil (Ghanian xylophone) rhythms as the central element, the band’s scything rock dynamics have seen them championed by Iggy Pop. The trio is completed by bassist Ruth Goller and drummer Jim Hart and have gained a strong following for their live shows at venues such as Café Oto & Total Refreshment Centre, and festivals such as WOMAD and Willisau Jazz Festival, alongside live sessions for Gilles Peterson’s BBC 6 Music show.

The trio are joined by NYC legend Peter Zummo, whose celebrated trombone style is recognised as one of the most beloved features of Arthur Russell’s sound, in addition to performing his own compositions, leading his own ensembles and working with many other bands, orchestras, composers and musicians.

The Free Range Orchestra will be playing the opening set to launch their new album, Connections, recorded live with saxophonist Evan Parker in July 2021.

“★ ★ ★ ★” Evening Standard 

“★ ★ ★ ★” Jazzwise 

“★ ★ ★ ★” Financial Times 

“★ ★ ★ ★” Songlines