CAMBRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL 9th / 24rd NOV 2025

★★★★ 5/5!  Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise.

"Smart conjoins Bach-like surges from low notes to high with sensuous Middle Eastern inflections, has a wide sonic range and simultaneously plucks and bows. Mitchell delivers quickfire mid-range clusters, sensitive accompaniment and rhythmic thrust." Mike Hobart, The FT

This duo developed out of conversations between Robert and Shirley whilst working on Robert’s Invocation project in 2014. Their discussions explored the varied paths of their respective backgrounds, and different relationships of all aspects of those musical paths to improvisation.

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Shirley Smart spent many years in the Middle East, where she also became involved with both jazz and Middle Eastern regional traditions and their forms of improvisation. Since returning to the UK, she has established a formidable reputation as one of the most versatile and creative cellists on the scene.