The Basquiat
Strings is a flexible string group set up by cellist Ben Davis
consisting of up to 5 players, perfoming Ben's original music including
his project 'How do Birds Hear Music?'. Emma Smith & Victoria Fifield
- violins, Jennymay Loan - viola, Ben Davis - cello, Richard Pryce-
double-bass.
The group was formed four years ago by composer/arranger cellist Ben Davis. They have played as a string section on the following records:
'UPWARDS' - Ty
'BENEATH THE SURFACE'- Juliet Roberts
'ATLAS'- Monica Vasconcelos, Nois 4
'OMINOUS'- Border Crossing
and yet to be released records by Darren Emerson, Border Crossing and Acoustic Ladyland. Most of the string arrangements are by Ben Davis. All the members have been classically trained but have also submerged themselves in the jazz tradition. Throughout their existence Basquiat Strings have been developing their own programme, using compositions of Ben Davis and well known jazz player/composers, through rehearsal, "jamming", and performance. In February this year, they released their own CD with drummer Seb Rochford.
