Portico Quartet, a groundbreaking ensemble hailing from London with their distinctive niche in the realm of contemporary jazz, will perform at Blind on Tuesday 30 April as part of Garanti BBVA’s International Jazz Day concerts. Tickets are available now via Biletix.
Formed in 2005, the quartet has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, fusing elements of jazz, ambient, and electronic music to create a unique sonic landscape that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Portico Quartet was born out of the South London music scene when childhood friends Duncan Bellamy (drums) and Jack Wyllie (saxophone) joined forces with Milo Fitzpatrick (double bass) and Nick Mulvey (hang drum). The inclusion of the hang drum, an unconventional percussion instrument, marked the quartet’s distinctive sound from the outset. The band’s early years were marked by their self-produced debut album, “Knee-Deep in the North Sea” (2007), which garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for their artistic evolution.
As Portico Quartet continued to evolve, they explored new sonic territories, incorporating electronic elements into their compositions. This experimentation reached its zenith with the release of “Isla” (2010), an album that demonstrated their ability to seamlessly blend acoustic and electronic textures. The departure of Nick Mulvey in 2011 led to a reconfiguration of the group, with Keir Vine joining on keyboards and electronics, adding a new dimension to their sound.
Portico Quartet’s music transcends borders, earning them international recognition and a dedicated fan base. Their fourth studio album, “Art in the Age of Automation” (2017), showcased their maturity as artists, combining intricate melodies with atmospheric soundscapes. The album received widespread acclaim, solidifying the quartet’s reputation as innovators in the contemporary jazz scene.
In their most recent endeavors, Portico Quartet continues to challenge conventions, pushing their musical boundaries while staying true to their unique identity. With a discography that reflects artistic growth and a live presence that captivates, Portico Quartet stands as a testament to the power of innovation within the realm of contemporary jazz. As they navigate the musical landscape, the quartet remains a beacon of creativity, inviting audiences to join them on a journey through sonic landscapes both familiar and unexplored.
—
To stay up to date and for more information, be sure to follow Blind. Tickets are available now via Biletix.
Asmalı Mescit, Şehbender Sk. no:3, 34430 Beyoğlu
