Tom Challenger – saxophone
Kit Downes – organ
'Wedding Music' is the stunning collaboration between Tom Challenger (Saxophone) and Kit Downes (Church Organ). Having both led, co-‐led and recorded with their own critically acclaimed ensembles (Downes with his Mercury nominated 'Golden' and later 'Quiet Tiger'; Challenger with Ma: 'The Last' and Outhouse: 'Straws Sticks and Bricks'),
'Wedding Music' matches the unique texture of Church Organ and Saxophone, as well as bringing together two of the most exciting and gifted young improvisers in the UK.
When discussing ideas for a potential collaboration, their mutual love of Organ works (Hindemith, Messiaen, Vierne), melodicism and durational concepts suggested that this initial idea could be something interesting and importantly a further artistic step forward for both musicians.
Beautifully recorded over 3 days in the summer of 2012 in Huddersfield University’s St Paul's Church (a space renowned for its acoustic qualities), the album is a selection of some of the music developed in residency. What emerges is an innovative yet melodic collection of improvised pieces that house sharply contrasting dynamics, microtonal nuances, and improvisational rapport that constantly engages and surprises. The quality of the recording here (there is an option to download this music at 24bit) lets the listener 'into' the space Downes and Challenger created this music in -‐ experiencing the saxophone and organ at a proximity rarely heard.
