KneeJerk is a Canadian band rooted in contemporary free jazz, drawing heavily from a variety of other aesthetics, from minimalism to noise. As a result, the music, created by Brian Horswill (piano), Karlis Silins (double bass), Cole Schmidt (guitar), and Kenton Loewen (drums), oscillates between contemplation and space, tension and punk fire, often reaching extremes when “almost orderly” moments transform into chaotic, intense outbursts.

All members of the band have considerable experience, gained on the Canadian improvised music scene and through collaborations with prominent international artists. For example, Karlis Silins and Kenton Loewen are valued companions of guitarist Gordon Grdina, one of the most important improvisers, and Loewen has also shared the stage with Mats Gustafsson, Fredrik Lundqvist, Michael Moore, and Mark Helias. Cole Schmidt has played with the Sick Boss collective, cellist Peggy Lee, and trumpeter J.P. Carter, among others, and is also artistic director of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Brian Horswill and Karlis Silins have performed in a trio with renowned Norwegian drummer Gard Nilssen.

“KneeJerk is a free jazz project that plays with minimalism and creates chaos”, is how the band’s musicians describe themselves. This year, their latest album, The Speed of Dark, was released. During Jazztopad, we will find out that KneeJerk’s concerts can be both demanding and moving.