TOOLSHED are some what of a Manchester musical institution that started in the mid 90s.

Graham Massey (808 State,Biting Tongues,SOT) leads some of the city’s most adventurous musicians with an agenda of original material and inspiration from outsider music greats such as Sun Ra, Morrecone, Magma, Mingus etc.

TOOLSHED has varied in size at anytime ranging from a 28 piece big band to in this case a classic power trio of long term members Graham Massey, Paddy Steer & Howard Jacobs.

The Toolshed Collective at Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival 2018.

TOOLSHED started as an electronica club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the late 90s,
playing host to many of the post rave improvisers such as Autechre, Mathew Herbert, Kieren Hebden & Squarepusher.

The “house” band, which was directed by 808 State founding member Graham Massey, was made from a revolving line up of local improvisers, invited to jam around his computer and vintage synthesiser collection.

20 years later and Toolshed continues to thrive, on this occasion presenting as a 6 piece, playing an hour-long set together, plus various solo performances and component ensembles including;

Paddy Steer – MCR’s king of the DIY scene. He builds his own synths, makes his own costumes, puts out his own records, drives them to his customer’s doors, etc.
Paddy makes his own unique musical universe by employing every limb and both sides of the brain.

Afrodeutsche - Henrietta Smith-Rolla has been causing a real buzz of late with her solo Techno sets and her improvised acoustic piano soundtracks. Her regular slot on NTS radio is not to be missed.

Skeltr - a duo of Sam Healy (Sax & Keys) and Craig Hanson (Drums).
Their tech jazz debut album Heltr has seen them hit the ground running and playing on many of this year’s Jazz Festival line-ups, both here and in Europe. They are representatives of the young jazz renaissance.

Band on the Wall and Now Wave present...
Denis Jones - album launch - 3333 (out now) & Graham Massey's Toolshed

Doors: 8.30pm

14+. U16s to be accompanied by an adult.

Please note the ticket price includes a 50p venue restoration levy

The current line-up features Graham Massey and Paddy Steer being joined by Sam Healey’s exuberant alto sax and the compelling drumming of Craig Hanson.

Tickets