Brass Jaw In Algeria

Fri 11th May 2012 

Arrived in Algiers after an overnight stay in Gatwick Airport. We were met at the airport by our friendly driver, Sid Ali who escorted us to our massive 4x4 transport – a special green number plate denoting diplomatic transportation. The general approach to getting around on the roads is pretty frenzied but nobody seems to get to worked up. Pedestrians seem to arbitrarily wander out into busy traffic - We reckon that the general rule is that if the driver sounds his horn (and he does so frequently) It essentially means that he’s not prepared to give way and the pedestrian needs get the f*** out of the way.

Sid Ali

The security is tight with huge police presence and check points everywhere. Despite this however, their presence is never overbearing. It also seems that the green number plate seems to give us some sort of diplomatic immunity, or at least we hope so as Sid Ali is pulling some pretty cool stunts!

Arrived safely at our hotel in El Biar – Paul & Ryan have found the local coffee joint, so all is well. Fun times ahead :-)

Sat 12th May 2012

Great day today including a performance and workshop at the National Institute of Music in Algiers, and a very interesting encounter between a prickly sea creature and Beauv's feet.

Konrad with some of the college students

The workshop involved working with a number of students on varied instruments, including voice and bassoon. The students seemed to really warm to us after having the chance to hear a bit of what we do – and many of them volunteered to participate in improvising with us.

Bassoon 101

Paul posing in Tipaza

After the workshop we headed out to the beach and decided to take a dip in the Mediterranean at a beach in Tipaza – unfortunately this resulted in The Beauv, and to a slightly lesser extent Paul & Ryan, being spiked by some sea urchins. Konrad was fine as he didn’t even take his sandals off. This was all much to the amusement of our driver, Sid Ali!

Ryan Resting on Roman Ruins

In other news we got our first glimpses of central Algiers – vibrant city with a huge amount of historical and political heritage.

The main square in Algiers

We’re staying outwith the centre, in El Biar – a buzzing wee area. The general vibe of the locals is to hang around – usually next to a broken car or motorcyle, or sit on a wall, invariably talking about one of three football matches: 1. The one they appear to be on their way to play, presumably in a park or piece of wasteland somewhere 2. The one they’ve just come back from playing. Or 3. The one they’re going to watch on TV tonight. It’s all very relaxed.





Sun 13th May 2012

Unbelievable reaction to our performance and a huge amount of press coverage. We gave interviews to several newspapers, radio stations, and television shows (including Canal Algiers Morning TV)… The auditorium was packed and we received an amzing reaction from the audience, culmination in a standing ovation, cheering, chanting…the whole works.

Our concert - opening the 2012 European Cultural Festival

It was actually pretty overwhelming for a wee band from Glasgow! We fly back to London tomorrow morning before our series of gigs at Jazz Sous Les Pommiers festival in Coutances, in northern France.

At The Martyr's Monument, Algiers

Big thanks to everyone at British Council for making this possible, and to the wonderful people who made us feel so welcome in Algeria. We will remember you always! Much love, Brass Jaw x

More photos from the trip HERE