About

Over half a decade after their first performance, drummer Chris Icasiano and saxophonist Neil Welch continue to develop a unique musical voice together. Bad Luck has become a sonic outlet to be reckoned with. In the highly trodden medium of drums and saxophone, Bad Luck proves that there is much left to be said.

Called “One of the best Seattle jazz recordings in years” (Earshot Jazz) Bad Luck was awarded the “Best Outside Jazz Group” of 2009 by Earshot Magazine, and a finalist for “Best Avant Group” in the 2009 Inside Out awards. Performing all original compositions, the pair use live loops and pedals to create an astounding range of sound. Icasiano and Welch can quickly shift into fierce improvisations, sound art and carefully constructed harmonic palettes. A duo with skin tight precision and melodic inventiveness, their music is set off by a commanding stage presence.

While both students at the University of Washington, Welch and Icasiano began a musical relationship that continues to evolve with each meeting. Nominated for ‘2009 Northwest Instrumentalist of the year’ by Earshot Magazine, Drummer Chris Icasiano is an important part of the new music scene in Seattle. He is involved with many collaborative and creative projects ranging from the avant-garde to indie and Senegalese music. Icasiano is a member of the avant-jazz group Speak which made its debut appearance in Europe as a headlining act at the Saalfelden Jazz Festival in the Summer of 2010. Speak’s self-titled April release was met with glowing reviews and raved as, “A debut rocket ride of outstanding quality…” by BBC Music. Saxophonist Neil Welch is both a dedicated acoustic solo performer and a member of various electric and world music projects. His “unique, distinctive, and intelligent new music” jazzreview.com spans wide areas of musical territory. A dedicated avant-gardist, Welch’s approach to the saxophone shows its true potential as an instrument of innovation. His highly acclaimed debut release, Narmada (Belle Records, 2008) will be followed by a forthcoming solo saxophone album, Boxwork, slotted for release in the spring of 2011.

Icasiano and Welch are both founding members of Seattle’s creative performance series: the Racer Sessions.

Press

“One of the best Seattle jazz recordings in years.” —Earshot Jazz