Formed in 2012 by guitarist Giovanni Cacioppo, the multi-cultural M.oo.K Ensemble ( a.k.a. Music Of Our Kind ) has charmed audiences with its colourful mix of jazz, Ethiopian and contemporary classical music, at established venues and events including the House of Commons, Southbank Centre, Union Chapel and London African Music Festival. After a small private release in February 2015, their début album ‘Music Of Our Kind’ was released on independent record label Turquoise Coconut in October 2016.
Embodying the spirit of London’s musical life, the M.oo.K Ensemble was created to explore the cultural mixing pot of the city through composition and improvisation. Drawing on his diverse day-to-day experiences and meetings, guitarist and composer Giovanni Cacioppo began investigating the various musical styles and cultures around him, with the aim of producing honest compositions representative of the rich tapestry of the city.
The five UK-based performers who make up M.oo.K together create a unique combination of musical colours, drawing on their individual backgrounds. Woven together with a modern jazz approach, classical orthodox Ethiopian chant meets highly-controlled free improvisation delivered with a Western classical sensibility.
Giovanni Cacioppo – guitar Giovanni Cacioppo is a composer and multi-instrumentalist. PhD in Medieval History of Art and Conservation and MMus at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he has been exploring several music cultures with the purpose of approaching improvisation and composition in a personal way. He has performed with UBU Ensemble , Dalston Gypsy Jazz Trio, Nefes and he works as freelance musician. Giovanni Cacioppo lives in Milan and London.
giocacioppo.com
John Garner – violin Driven by a desire to push the boundaries of the violin, John Garner pursues numerous avenues in his music making. He has performed to scores of audiences over the world with groups including The Hot Club Ensemble, live electronica outfit Meraki and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. “You are a leader in what you do in your generation.” Paul Gambaccini
john-garner.info
Peter Hutchinson – bass Pete Hutchison was originally encouraged to pursue music by bassist Neil Charles and since then has gone on to attain a degree from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, having studied with Steve Watts, Colin Paris and Geoff Gascoyne, and getting the opportunity to perform with prominent jazz artists such as Michael Garrick, Iain Ballamy and Claire Martin OBE. He continues to enjoy a varied career spanning a wide array of musical genres, having performed with artists and groups such as Nicola Emmanuelle, Hofesh Shechter Company, Gamu, Abandoman, The Westenders, NYJO and The Dixie Strollers. Pete is also set to appear in (and on the soundtrack of) BBC1’s forthcoming drama ‘The Outcast’, due to air later this year.
Daniel Harding Israelsen – drums Originally from Denmark, Daniel moved to London to study Jazz, percussion. He completed the MMus degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in July 2014 prior to which he graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama obtaining a 1st class degree. He now spends time on composing, teaching and playing. He has toured abroad and masters a wide spectrum of genres. Daniel has performed in various constellations at LSO St. Lukes, Charlie Wrights, Barbican Centre, Oliver’s, The Vortex, Dempsey’s, Pizza Express in Soho and collaborated with the Southbank Sinfonia.
Haymanot Tesfa – vocals Haymanot Tesfa is a singer and visual artist originally from Ethiopia and now living in London. She has performed as a soloist and in collaboration with other musicians at numerous events and festivals, including the House of Commons, WOMAD, The Royal Albert Hall and Southbank Centre. “Her range is extraordinary – at times deep and powerful, underpinning the rest of the music, and at times dancing across the top of it”. Catriona Troth.
Music Of Our Kind 