Atmospheric performance from improvising ensemble, Coastal Collective

“Very talented musicians; enjoyed watching/listening to great improvisation”. (Audience comments)

“The atmosphere of the church perfectly complemented the music.  So good to hear such an accomplished group of musicians just playing – no score, minimal direction – just music!”

In describing their forthcoming concert, improvising ensemble, Coastal Collective, invited  their audience to come to their Summer Retreat concert to “be immersed in this musical atmosphere’, indicating that they would take those attending “on a sensational journey of vibrant music".

What a treat their sublime performance on Sunday night was.   And, since this was the final event of St John’s Organ Conservation and Restoration project and its education and community programme, it was a beautiful way to complete the project.

“Totally engaging creative experience. In awe of the skills of the musicians, and Neil’s gentle ability to bring out their individual contributions to the whole.”

Indeed, this event brought this very vibrant improvising ensemble - Coastal Collective – back to St John’s for what was their inaugural public performance to celebrate the release of their EP  A Piece of Everything (released May 2024) and their debut album No Borders, Just Horizons (released June 2024), both recorded in St Johns in January 2024. Coastal  Collective is an ensemble of  musicians brought together by Director and Composer, Neil Valentine, as follows:

 ·         Neil Valentine - composer/director

·         Matt Brombley – Electronics

·         Stu Brewer – guitars

·         Aidan Hampson – bass guitar

·         James Ashdown – drums

·         Anna Durance - cor anglaise

·         James Gardener – trumpet

·         Chris Nicholls – violin

·         Alison Hughes - clarinets

 NB Neil Valentine has also been the Project Animateur for the St John’s Organ Project.

Aiming for a relaxing and informal session, Coastal Collective’s wide-ranging style took the audience on a journey through genres ranging from jazz to rock to classical – and on occasion – invited audience participation too! It also featured the first performance of a piece composed by Matt Brombley, inspired by his visits to St Johns and its amazing heritage and artefacts and its wonderful atmosphere and acoustics.

 “Together we breathe life into old bones” (words for audience participation) – very apt! Very calming and spiritual at times, moving into Fleetwood Mac meets Northington Church – loved it!”