Rhombus is a jazz quintet that specialises in expanding the range of jazz music to include new approaches to music. Previous concerts have included composer collaborations in the creation of a brand new repertoire of contemporary/jazz fusion works, many of which concentrated on the inclusion of improvisation in otherwise highly formalised styles. For this concert, the group will be exploring the connections between the practices of meditation and elements of improvisation, in which mindfulness and focus on the present moment is paramount.

“The idea of surrendering to the moment is at the core of both mantra meditation and jazz improvisation. Approaching musical improvisation from a mindset of ‘letting go’ creates the optimum state for performance. ‘Meditations’ is a concert where both the musicians and the audience approach music from a mindful state, allowing them to focus on the present and enjoy life for what it is. The performance space is a calm place where the musicians can interact with one-another. The music itself runs as one extended suite influenced by jazz, free, and contemporary classical music. It flows between stages of fully notated and free sections, featuring a work for drumkit, mantra, metronomes and singing bowls.”

Rhombus is comprised of five musicians, individually renowned for their prowess as soloists: Dennis Wyers (saxophone, leader), Georgia Cusack (voice), Bill Blackmore (trumpet), Cormac O’Brien (double bass) and Matthew Jacobson (drums). Meditations takes place on Tuesday, 10 July, at the Centre for Creative Practices on Pembroke St. in Dublin.

denniswyers.ie/rhombus.html