14/08/2026
Also playing this Monday, a new and exciting large ensemble project - NOAH MEJIA’S ABACÁ!
Noah Mejia - Saxophone
Aurelia Flores - Saxophone
Leah Reinhardt - Vocals
Miles Rooney - trumpet
Oscar Lubbock - Piano
Ruby Firmstone - Guitar
Henry Hall - Bass
Tom Vogel - Drums
Abacá is known as one of the strongest natural fibres in the world, and can be woven into things such as fabric and twine. In its raw, natural state it is coarse and stiff, yet in finer strands can be repurposed to become soft to the touch. The tightly-wound strength of abacá symbolises how our tendency to intertwine with each other can facilitate a beautiful fortification of human connection, but its variety of texture can symbolise an unexpected shift in self identity because of such a willingness to combine. Why do the ‘fibre strands’ cling together so tightly, in spite of the possibility that they will become something that will fundamentally change their purpose?
In an attempt to answer this, Noah Mejia has compiled a series of his original works that aim to explore the emotional complexity of human connection. Like the ritualistic weaving of abacá, the project interweaves the repetitive simplicity in the lyrical storytelling of songwriting with the spontaneity of group improvisation, with the purpose of unveiling enduring truths about navigating human relationships. The ensemble will traverse a variety of acoustic textures and soundscapes, through a conscientious blend of inspiration from various contemporary jazz, folk and indie artists.
