Ingrid James and Louise Denson’s Wild Silk Strings Project is a 9-piece ensemble that explores the intersection between the worlds of jazz and classical music. They present a rich repertoire including originals, lesser-known standards from the jazz and Brazilian songbooks, and unique arrangements of classic songs from the ‘70s. The songs acknowledge the jazz tradition while reflecting a European aesthetic in mood, melody and harmony. The interweaving of the voice with brass, winds and strings creates an endless variety of colours and textures. Ingrid and Louise played to a sold out house at the Wimbledon International Music Festival in 2016, in the company of some of London’s finest musicians. They were the only Australian act, and the only jazz act to be invited to this prestigious festival. They have performed at numerous venues and festivals in and around Brisbane and are planning their first CD recording for later this year.
Wild Silk Strings Project features the improvisational and interpretive talents of Paul Armstrong (trumpet) and John Felstead (tenor sax), along with Louise Denson (piano), Ingrid James (voice), Andrew Shaw (acoustic bass), Sacha Kloostra, (drums), Eugenie Costello (violin), Anna Colville (viola) and Danielle Bentley (cello).
Even before the finger clicking count-in, even before one note is played, you just have to look at the familiar faces of the musical elite on stage to know that you are in for a world-class jazz performance… the secret of their success is reinvention [and] inventiveness is what jazz is really all about… - Alan Western (Vice-President) Brisbane Jazz Club
The music of Ingrid and Louise knows no geographic boundaries - from Down Under to New York to the Far North, we ultimately all share one set of needs and values: joy, family, spiritual journey... its all here. - Aaron Goldberg, pianist/composer NYC
The Wild Silk Strings Project delivers engaging and arguably rare music to audiences … popular pieces … are given an incredibly vibrant reinterpretation in this ensemble. Every work undertaken by this ensemble and its founders is of unique value artistically and aesthetically. - Michael Knopf, guitarist/composer/educator, Brisbane
http://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/artist/denson-louise
www.ingridjames.com/ingrid-james-louise-densons-wild-silk-strings-project.php
