Hothouse Presents: a monthly Jazz series at The Basement Sydney with the latest and greatest in the scene! For the third instalment of Hothouse Presents, Showa 44 with Mike Nock and Laurence Pike.

Showa 44

Showa 44 are Simon Barker, drums & percussion, and Carl Dewhurst, guitar.

Showa 44 utilise tuned metallic resonances, rhythmic densities and spontaneous invention via electric guitar and percussion to manifest compelling and evocative soundscapes.

Their music is best described as cinematic, and they've been compared with Australia's leading original music ensemble 'The Necks'.

Since forming in 2001, Showa 44 have released three CD's through Kimnara records, - 'Showa 44', 'Ormus' and 'Orneon'.

They have performed at major festivals in Australia and abroad.

Here's what the critics have to say:

"....complete, compelling, subtle and sophisticated" - SMH

" (Showa 44) display imaginations the size of continents and an extraordinarily intense rapport, taking daredevil listeners on improvised sonic adventures" - Limelight Magazine

"Dewhurst and Barker lead, listen and are led, and that openness lets them venture into musical terrain where the full sonic possibilities of their instruments may be explored, but with experimentation being a means, never an end. Beauty and surprise are the ends" - Sydney Morning Herald

"....a sonic tour de force. Combining ambient sounds with ear-splitting electronics, the duo carved out an adventuresome route through the world of sound. Barker set up repetitive motifs via the use of gongs, as if he were gently throwing pebbles into a lake, while Dewhurst attacked his guitar like a latter-day Derek Bailey. This was jazz in extremis, melding the experiments of English stalwarts AMM with the force-field energy of a Sonic Youth" - Rhythms Magazine

Mike Nock + Laurence Pike

Mike Nock - Piano
Laurence Pike - Drums/Sampler

A rare performance from the intriguing and on-going partnership of legendary pianist Mike Nock and multi-disciplinary drummer Laurence Pike (PVT, Triosk, Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders).

After a long history of music making, the pair began improvising as a duo in recent years, culminating in the release of the their 2012 album 'KIndred', and a subsequent appearance at the 2014 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

The music is a dialogue between two unique voices; an open exploration of storytelling through improvisation, and the desire to seamlessly integrate the possibilities of technology with acoustic instruments.

Mike and Laurence have recently returned from working with legendary engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, where they have completed a new album which will be released in late 2015.

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The Artist is Michaela Davies and the piece is called 'A New Musical Masochism'.

'A New Musical Masochism explores the way physical and psychological constraint can determine musical outcomes and extend sonic possibilities, within a field of masochistic/musical indeterminacy. The musical masochist's contract (or score) is enforced physical obligation determined by electrical impulses sent to the muscles, generating specific involuntary movements. Just as the process of musical indeterminacy aims to free the artist from the shackles of his or her own preferences, during play the masochist seeks experiences that exceed the limits of his or her own imagination. '

It will be between the two main acts Showa 44 and Mike Nock/Laurenz Pike.

TICKETING INFO
Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

A RESERVE Dinner & Show + Beverage Package also includes a selection of Premium Red & White Wine + Local and Imported Tap Beers excluding Asahi, and is available by exclusive table service to A Reserve Ticket Holders from Doors to Show Time (usually 1930 - 2230). *RSA and conditions apply

DOORS OPEN AT 7.00PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 8.30PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night.

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people.

Specific table reservation is not available for this performance. It is the venue's decision as to which table you will be allocated. Whilst the venue would love to give everyone their preferred seats, it is not always possible. We ask that you respect this decision and enjoy the performance.