Spanner Jazz Punks

Spanner Jazz Punks

Spanner Jazz Punks are a London group led by Dan Spanner and Helen Tate. They emerge in 2007 from Dan Spanner’s earlier Spannerman Performance Band, a project he creates while touring with the French circus company Archaos, where he brings together musicians and circus performers.

Style and performance

The group combines jazz punk with a wide range of other influences, including tango, experimental music, Gypsy elements and Gallic inflections. Their line-up uses horns, accordion, recorders, zither and violin, and their performances also incorporate dance, theatrics, circus and film. Their stage presentation is described as anarchic and eclectic, with an emphasis on elaborate performance as well as musicianship.

Background

The act develops from Dan Spanner’s interest in creating what he sees as the essence of punk jazz, with Spanner Jazz Punks becoming the group associated with that direction. The project’s name and presentation reflect its mix of musical styles and performance disciplines.