Shifa

Shifa, from the Arabic word for healing, is a new trio borne out of old musical partnerships from the ever shifting sands of the UK improvised music scene. Pat Thomas, pianist extraordinaire whose eclectic motherboard pushes the music in unexpected twists and turns, suggested the name. The healing in this case is a raw, unfettered musical space where he, saxophonist Rachel Musson and drummer Mark Sanders meet and make music in the moment, of the moment. Each player values the others’ ability to dive in deep, and demands that they each remain fully present to where the music needs to evolve next. The palette includes a mutual history in jazz, elements of classical, folk and pulling notes apart to allow sonic textures to come into focus.

The trio have played together in previous collaborations and incarnations: Musson and Sanders have collaborated on various projects, and Thomas and Sanders have played together for decades, but this is the first time they have come together in this particular formation. They have the encouragement of UK promoter Today Dudley-Evans to thank for booking their first gig, and London venue Cafe Oto for hosting this particular performance that was recorded live for NY based 577 Records. They have since released a second album on 577 Records, Shifa Live in Oslo

‘Shifa’ comes from a translation of the Arabic word for healing, and the healing appeal of new trio Shifa comes from the translations occurring between percussion, electronics and brass. Each player brings what they hear from the other two people into their own medium, each extending the range of their instrument and as a group forging a fascinating polyglot between the dialects of three very different voices. A J Dehany, London Jazz News