Hansu-Tori

Hansu-Tori

Hansu-Tori are a Birmingham-based band led by pianist and composer David Austin Grey, who writes the group’s original material. The name combines two words: “Hansu”, a Korean term meaning “water”, and “Tori”, the Japanese word for “bird”. In the group’s explanation, Hansu suggests strength, flexibility, harmony and water as a source of life, while Tori suggests freedom and grace.

Line-up and instrumentation

The core group includes David Austin Grey on piano and compositions, Sam Wooster on trumpet and electronics, Chris Young on alto saxophone, Nick Jurd on double bass and electric bass, and Jim Bashford on drum kit. The line-up is regularly expanded by additional musicians, including Nick Rundle on tenor saxophone, Adam Jackson on alto saxophone and Eliza Shaddad on vocals.

Music and releases

The band performs original contemporary music and is associated with a broad range of styles including alternative pop, alternative rock, art pop, art rock, baroque pop and chamber pop. Their recorded album The Dark Red Room receives airplay and support on BBC Radio 3, Jazz FM and UK jazz radio. The group also releases music on Igloo, Sword and Stone, and Tori Amos Universal Entertainment Inc.

Background

Hansu-Tori are based in Birmingham, while David Austin Grey is from Newton, United States. The artist name is also associated with Y Kant Tori Read among the listed members.