Paragon

Jazz from Berlin and London featuring guitarist Uli Elbracht, saxman Peter Ehwald,  Mathias Akeo Nowak on bass, Arthur Lea piano + tenor horn, and Jon Scott drums + percussion

On a good tour it doesn’t matter where you’re going. You just need a good sense of Direction. But it does matter who you’re traveling with. When Paragon play, they take their audience on a journey. Ever since Peter Ehwald and Arthur Lea first played together they have been developing their own musical language. Influences vary from Stravinsky to 80s pop anthems, still the intention remains clear. It’s all about communication. Powerful melodic statements lead the way, but the music remains shaped by the character of its players.

Paragon’s creative travels have taken them from Cologne Jazz Night 2004 to making their debut album Never Rent A Flat in 2005 to winning the “Prix de Publique” at Avignon Jazz Festival in 2006 Now two consecutive years of Anglo-German touring have led to the completion of their new album, “Quarter Life Crisis”.

On Jan 31st Paragon will present their new CD at Seven Arts the with guest musician and local hero Uli Elbracht on guitar.

www.myspace.com/paragonlikesyou
www.peter-ehwald.net

"Twenty first century Thelonious Monk" - John Fordham - the Guardian

"The group plays highly complex original material. But Paragon seem to have these tunes thoroughly lodged in their memory and under their fingers. Only one music stand was in evidence, and I never saw any of the players' eyes drifting down to it for reassurance. Ehwald has a prodigious saxophone technique and a fine ear, particularly in his frequent excursions into altissimo, but his most natural voice seemed to me to emerge in the more thoughtful and expressive moments" - Sebastian Scotney - LondonJazz

Paragon play at Seven Arts on Sunday afternoon 31st January 2010 1-4pm; £5/4 concessions, kids under 16 free