Following the international success of the series Piece By Piece in April-May 2020, Improvised Music Company (IMC) returns with a second season of this unique musical ‘chain letter’ of online improvisation, with eight exciting new artists from Ireland creating new work in sequence.

The first series of Piece by Piece demonstrated the rich possibilities of the online medium, as some of Ireland’s finest improvising artists created new musical works. Creative use of film and manipulated visuals showed the artists’ inspirations and thought processes, and became as much part of the experience as the music. With a fresh impetus for this second season of Piece by Piece, the principle of interconnectedness will continue, with each artist’s performance influencing or inspiring the next.

This final work of the new season comes from saxophonist Chris Engel on Friday 29th January.

South African saxophonist and adopted Irishman Chris Engel has cultivated a successful career in jazz and improvised music throughout Europe with his chameleon-like musical talents; adept in small and large ensembles, free improv, contemporary jazz, and latterly electronic music, including with his acclaimed group BigSpoon. Having performed at numerous festivals, on numerous stages, in numerous countries from as early as age 15, Chris has been fortunate enough to perform alongside some of the greats in the South African and International jazz fraternity. Festivals include Cork Jazz Festival, Bray Jazz Festival, Derry Jazz Festival, Down with Jazz (Dublin), Kilkenny Arts Festival, Westport Arts Festival, Atina Jazz (Italy), Copenhagen Jazz Festival (Denmark), Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark), and Cape Town International Jazz Festival (where he performed with world renowned American jazz artists Joe McBride, Gerald Veasley and Kenny Blake). Chris holds degrees in Jazz & Improvised Music Performance from both The South African College of Music and The Norwegian Academy of Music (NMH).

The eight sequential solo performances for ‘Piece by Piece’ Season 2, will be broadcast via IMC's YouTube channel, as well as IMC's social media platforms on Fridays at 8pm.

Enjoy fresh new music, influenced in real-time, from world-class Irish improvising musicians, telling the story of these times through new music and live performance, piece by piece.

See the whole series here.