Carlo Muscat & Artem Mendelenko - Tough Tenors

Between 1960 and 1962, two of the greatest tenor saxophonists from the New York scene came together to produce a series of Hard Bop quintet recordings, both studio and live. Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Johnny Griffin were already renowned as bandleaders in their own right, and these albums are a testament to their incredible force as players, improvers, and artists.

On Friday 7th July, saxophonist Carlo Muscat will be joined by the established saxophonist Artem Mendelenko to present a selection of tunes that best capture the energy of these recordings, and of ‘Griff and Lock’ themselves.

Muscat has performed in many European cities, including Paris, London, Istanbul, Milan, Berlin, Kyiv, and Rotterdam. His sixth album, Hymns, received critical acclaim, with a four-star rating from Downbeat Magazine and a spot on their list of Best Albums of 2023. This acknowledgment signaled his growth as an artist and his emerging role in contemporary jazz. Along with his six albums as a bandleader, Muscat has contributed to numerous projects as a sideman, demonstrating his adaptability and collaborative nature. His musical style embraces a freedom of interpretation, characterized by an openness to improvisation and a willingness to explore new musical territories.