Soundhouse: Modern Vikings

"[Stephen Henderson is] a remarkably sensitive performer, listening intently to the other musicians in whatever setting he finds himself, demonstrating why he is becoming one of the go-to drummers on the Scottish scene“ London Jazz News

As with their Scandinavian jazz cousins, Modern Vikings play music with a strong emphasis on melody with the added grooves, urgency and colours of the American jazz tradition. Drummer/composer Stephen Henderson leads a stellar line-up featuring Fergus McCreadie (piano), Graeme Stephen(guitar), Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophone) and David Bowden(bass). The band's music reflects Henderson's many influences and experiences from the beginning of his musical upbringing to present, creating a fresh sound that is unique, bold and emotive.

"I'm particularly inspired by jazz musicians who incorporate elements of their own countries' folk music into their writings and playing. Modern Jazz artists such as Shai Maestro, Avishai Cohen, Lionel Loueke, Leo Blanco and John Scofield have been huge influences on my style more recently", says Stephen Henderson.

This much anticipated concert is also the launch of Modern Vikings' debut album Tales of the Skald. The 9-track album composed by band leader Stephen Henderson, takes the listener through an array of grooves, colours and styles all connected to the jazz tradition and beyond, capturing Henderson's broad musical upbringing. The all-star band are individually featured in the writing, allowing their unique personalities to take turns at coming to the forefront, then subtly blending together to create a bold and exciting new sound.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.

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