JMT was created in 2004 and has performed in East Anglia and London: Salthouse Festival, 2004, 2005; O'Reilly's Bar, Kentish Town, 2004; Westacre Studios, Norfolk, 2005; Sheringham Little Theatre, 2006; The Pump House, Aldeburgh, 2006; The Literary Cafe, London, 2007; The Cross Kings, London, 2007; Ledbury Poetry Festival, 2008; Sheringham Little Theatre, 2008, 2009; Mapcafe, London, 2009.
In performance, Jehane Markham, poet and playwright, delivers original poetry whilst jazz duo Robin Phillips (piano) and Jonny Gee (double bass) create musical soundscapes to complement the poetry. The group uses the poems' metre to act as the rhythm section for the supporting music.
JMT have composed two original performance pieces, The London Series and Vladivostok to Moscow.
The London Series is a jazz orientated, symphonic poem that runs for about 25 minutes. Part homage, part memoir, it moves between different areas of North London, touching on the personal and literary associations that each place has for the poet. The text includes diary extracts, letters, poetry and songs.
Jehane Markham and her two musicians create a beguiling soundscape that springs from her poetry of memory and place. A mellow and evocative experience for any audience.
Director of Ledbury Poetry Festival 2008
Vladivostok to Moscow uses a similar format but has a very different feel and plays for 40 minutes. Starting in Vladivostok, the piece evokes the atmosphere of this neglected city and goes on to deliver an intense, kaleidoscopic impression of the seven -day train ride across the wastes of Siberia. With both historical and literary references this is also an emotional piece that takes the audience on a very special journey.
I am just writing to say what an absolutely wonderful evening we spent at the Sheringham Little Theatre last Sunday, listening to your wonderful work. We had not known quite what to expect, but were completely held and enchanted the whole evening. It was like a book that could not be put down. We look forward to your return soon !
Liz Ashton, audience member.
Poet and Lyricist, Jehane has written seven plays for BBC Radio an well as musical dramas for the stage. The Birth of Pleasure 1997, Rosemary Branch Theatre. Hermes a jazz opera, composer, Pete Letanka, 2007, Rosemary Branch Theatre. On the Rim of the World composer, Orlando Gough, 2009, Glyndebourne, Royal Opera House. Wales Millennium Centre, Scottish National Opera, Opera North.
She has published four collections of poetry as well as an audio- tape of poetry, My Mother Myself. She is co-director of Rough Winds Productions, with the actor Roger Lloyd Pack.
Her work and her performances are popular with audiences of all ages but women are her particular fans.
see also Jehane Markham CV
ROBIN PHILLIPS Piano
Robin Phillips is a jazz pianist and vocalist.
He has played in various jazz ensembles from duo to big band and now heads up the Robin Phillips Sextet. He is much in demand, in playing live music most nights of the week in Norwich and London.
see also www.robinphillipsmusic.co.uk
JONNY GEE Bass
One the the UK's most versatile and energetic freelance double bassists, Jonny plays a variety of music from Gypsy Swing to Classical Baroque. He has collaborated with many top artists including Ravi Shankar and Jacqui Dankworth. He has his own Jazz group - The Jazzberries with vocalist Ruthie Culver.
jonny@jazzberries.co.uk