Faris Ishaq + BEJE at St Paul's Church, St Paul's Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1LP
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"East meets West in a cosmic jazz fusion of the ancient sounds of the nay reed flute, as played by the Palestinian master Faris Ishaq. Another unmissable collaboration for Bristol European Jazz Ensemble with a six-piece combination improvising on trumpet, oud, piano, double bass, piano and drums. The most adventurous jazz in town FFO: Yusef Lateef, Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Rabih Abou-Khalil, ECM. "

Join the Headfirst mailing list for our unbiased recommendations.

Full price and concessions

A gig on Saturday 31st May. The event starts at 20:00.


Faris Ishaq is the undisputed Master of the ney flute, rooted in the traditional shepherd and Dabka dance music of Palestine and glorifying now in the transformational inspiration of Coltrane. This will be his fourth outing with the ‘ever adaptable’ (Tony Benjamin) British European Jazz Ensemble who’s members Knud Stuwe on oud and David Mowat trumpet met him in Occupied Palestine. Together they create ecstatic music impossible for any force to besiege.

Drawing on their previous gigs, there’ll be new material arising from the existential crisis of Palestine.

“Such a privilege to hear master musicians and see them perform with such dedication. One of the best musical experiences I have ever had. Their music seems to come from pain yet is full of hope.” (St George’s Bristol Audience member


Faris Ishaq – ney, sung and spoken word, percussion
David Mowat - trumpet, flugel, spoken word
Tim Funnell – piano
Pasquale Votino – double bass
Paolo Adamo - drums
Knud Stuwe – guitar, oud

Two sets 8pm to 8.50pm
9.10pm to 10pm approx

Watch this space for the chance of a ney flute workshop tbc

“Faris Ishaq and BEJE created complex beautiful original music and gave a vivid glimpse into the rich culture of Palestine” Red Brick Building management

“A really lovely concert with top musicianship and a wonderful atmosphere. The sound of the Nay flute just knocked me out. I have the CD. Keep it all coming!” Dave Merrick jazz musician and promoter

“All top musicians. Their solos (and ability of playing together) speak for themselves. The maestria of Faris on the nay flute is simply amazing. Nothing can shake him, everything seems to flow so naturally, even his voice...the crescendo at the end was just unforgettable! A very rich evening with great tunes, wonderful improvisations, brilliant solos and a relaxed atmosphere. Come again soon! “ Bernard Dufresne

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)

Other spoken word gigs

BJF PRESENTS Jazz in the Loft with Saxophone Legend, IAIN BALLAMY at The Tobacco Factory
— The Tobacco Factory
jazz contemporary jazz swing bebop
Xpress Festival - Friday Night at All Inn, Fishponds
— All Inn, Fishponds
folk alternative rock world indie rock singer-songwriter
OPUS KINK at Thekla
— Thekla
alternative rock jazz indie rock punk post-punk
Tara Clerkin Trio at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
experimental jazz ambient downtempo
Dur-Dur Band x Diaspora Festival at Bristol Beacon
— Bristol Beacon
funk soul world festival