Sperryfest 2009 :: Gail Brand with Morgan Guberman, Gino Robair, John Shiurba, Tim Perkis and Tom Djll June 5, 2009

English trombonist Gail Brand (www.gailbrand.com), with whom Matthew Sperry (1968-2003) frequently collaborated, performs in a series of duos, trios and quintets. Brand is one of the most active improvisers on the European free-improv scene and is known for her fiery style and exceptional use of extended techniques.

Together with Sperry, Brand formed the group “Supermodel Supermodel,” which recorded a CD for the influential British label, Emanem (www.emanemdisc.com/E4126.html). The group also included John Shiurba (guitar), Gino Robair (percussion), and Tim Perkis (electronics), who will be performing with her tonight. Trumpeter Tom Djll will also take part in the quintet pieces.
The evening will also feature Brand in her ongoing duo with Bay Area vocalist Morgan Guberman. The duo recorded the CD “Ballgames and Crazy” for Emanem (www.emanemdisc.com/E4103.html) and has played concerts and festivals around the US and Europe.

Background
Local musicians who worked with bassist Matthew Sperry (1968-2003) are gathering to celebrate the acclaimed musician and composer's life and work with a festival of new music with internationally-recognized guest artists from Seattle and the United Kingdom. Each night of the festival explores a different aspect of Sperry's creative force, highlighting the diversity of his art, the depth of his humor and the persistence of his memory in the work of outstanding musicians in the Bay Area and beyond. The Festival is a benefit for the Matthew Sperry Memorial Fund, which contributes to the support of Lila Sperry, who at age two lost her father when he was killed by an inattentive driver while riding his bicycle to work.

Official Website: http://www.matthewsperry.org