BBC Electric Proms - Basquiat Strings with special guests October 26, 2007

*** Basquiat Strings ***

Basquiat Strings are a classically-trained quintet led by cellist Ben Davis, one of Europe's top jazz string players.

The group started life as a standard string quartet, later adding double bass 'to strengthen the rhythmic accompaniment'. Influenced by the string sounds of Transylvania as well as haphazard arrangements by Charles Mingus, Basquiat Strings have been hailed as a truly interesting ensemble by critics.

Well-respected jazz drummer Seb Rochford plays on their debut self-titled album, which was nominated for the 2007 Mercury Prize for the best British or Irish album of the year.

With an inventive jazz-meets-classical approach, Basquiat Strings will perform as part of the Jazz on 3 evening at this year's BBC Electric Proms. They will collaborate with internationally recognised tenor saxophonist from New York, Ellery Eskelin as well as leading improvising UK bassist Simon H Fell.

*** BBC Electric Proms ***
This gig is part of the BBC's Electric Proms festival which takes place across Camden on 24-28 October. Over 80 artists are performing and they've all been encouraged to create something unique for their shows.

The gigs will be broadcast across BBC TV, radio and will be online to watch at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms/

Official Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms/2007/artists/basquiatstrings/