Soloist Concert – Mark Hurrell, saxophone

Mark Hurrell studies saxophone at the soloist programme at RAMA.

Motuz Group: ‘Now We Sing Now We Dance’
Motuz Group, a visionary multidisciplinary ensemble, was founded in 2019 by saxophonist, composer and soloist student Mark Hurrell. Stemming from his time at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and the Det Jyske Musikkonservatorium, Mark bridges the divide between musicians and dancers, giving rise to Motuz. They embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation, leading to the group’s true mission.

Motuz’s mission is to delve deep into the world of improvised music and dance, uncovering their intricate relationship within the realm of interdisciplinary art. Mark’s quest for knowledge took him to Scandinavia, conducting research and learning in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Stockholm introduced a new collective of musicians and dancers, with dancer Penelope Touvier and the group of highly skilled improvising musicians profoundly influencing the project.

Motuz briefly embraced an academic phase, with Mark authoring a master’s thesis on ‘The relationship between improvised music and dance,’ placing Motuz at its epicenter. Their performances in Stockholm honed innovative techniques, blurring the lines between these art forms.

In Autumn 2023, Motuz ushered in a new chapter in Aarhus, Denmark, blending their freespirited improvisational roots from Stockholm into a new direction. This phase finds Motuz Group reconnecting with their roots of jazz, weaving together traditions and influences of celebrated jazz artists. A significant shift in this phase is the introduction of lyrics as a wellspring of improvisational inspiration and on-stage communication. For the first time, Motuz performs material not composed by themselves. They transition from extended, fully improvised pieces to a more focused direction, crafting concise arrangements of jazz standards. These carefully selected songs convey profound messages, transcending the usual themes of love and romance. Motuz reimagines them into interdisciplinary performances featuring dance and music, challenging traditional instrument roles. The outcome is a
fresh, captivating approach to jazz standards, transforming these timeless songs into dynamic, moving performances that captivate audiences.

Motuz is delighted to be able to travel the world with their prospects and it fills them with an enormous sense of pride to be able to bring influences from across Europe with him wherever he plays.

Feat.:
Anne-Sofie Pi Østergaard, dance
Mark Hurrell, saxophone
Iina Johanson, vocal
Philip Akrofi, double bass