Farmers' Market

Free jazz takes a holiday in the Balkans
While farmers' markets have become a ten-a-penny sighting, pitching up everywhere from New Orleans to Nempnett Thrubwell, the musical quintet that takes its name from this foodie phenomenon is most definitely a one-off beast. In existence for almost two decades, the five-piece have always employed an open-door policy when it comes to their inspirations and influences, offering particularly hearty welcomes to Bulgarian folk, free jazz, pop and rock. And you might suppose that nigh on 20 years playing together might have dulled their passion somewhat, but not a bit of it. Their ardour remains strong, continuing to unfailingly play with what The Guardian described as "fast-cutting vivacity". This is jazz that doesn't invoke po-faced beard-stroking. The boys have plenty of fun, as suggested by some of their album titles - Speed/Balkan/Boogie, for instance, or Surfin' USSR. Expect Balkan fury that's grounded by a Scandinavian sense of mischief.
(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2010)