Asha Parkinson’s Kalpadruma Sextet – Women in Jazz

‘Kalpadruma’ means a tree of life in Indian-origin religions; a source of creation and inspiration.

Founded by saxophonist/composer, Asha Parkinson in 2017, Kalpadruma is an exciting collective exploring connection between Arabic, Turkish, Indian, Contemporary Classical and Jazz musics, led by saxophonist/ composer Asha Parkinson. The group have collaborated with SAMYO (South Asian Youth Orchestra) and the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians. After four years of performing at major venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the Union Chapel, and the Jazz Seven Leeds series, the group premiered their debut album Onwards at Spice Jazz, Soho in June 2022. While the do-dectet formation performs Asha’s large-scale compositions, the sextet explore more open-ended versions of the repertoire, alongside various influences. The set will feature sextet arrangements of works from the 2021 Encounters Suite: a past collaboration between Kalpadruma and members of the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians. Complimenting this will be sextet arrangements from the group’s debut album ‘Onwards’ and other influences, such as Paco de Lucia, Morricone, Rebetiko, and Turkish baglama music.