ABACUS is a project run by Saxophonist Liam Brennan. Formed in 2022, the project concept was heavily influenced by Omer Avital’s Asking No Permission which featured a 4-horn frontline. The music aims to combine concepts from both the Jazz small group tradition as well as the Big Band lineage. It features some of the most exciting improvisors from Birmingham and London:

Liam Brennan: Alto Saxophone
James Romaine: Alto Saxophone
James Borland: Trumpet
Simeon May: Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet 
Josh Vadiveloo: Bass
Kai Chareunsy: Drums

The inclusion of a double Alto frontline results in an interesting sound due to the similar registers between the altos and trumpet. This has forced compositions to explore more textural possibilities as well as orchestral, creating a truly unique and original sound. 

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Graduate Liam Brennan is a Saxophonist and Composer based in Birmingham. He performs primarily on Alto Saxophone, but also on Soprano, Tenor, Flute and Clarinet. Liam has been fortunate to be mentored by composers Mike Gibbs and Ed Puddick, as well as being taught by Mike Williams and world-renowned New York Saxophonist John ‘O’ Gallagher. 

He has performed at outstanding performance spaces, such as at the Siena Jazz Festival, The Thailand International Jazz Conference, and Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Other recent performing highlights include the Symphony Hall and Birmingham Jazz Festival.

Liam performs regularly around the midlands with a variety of artistically fulfilling projects both as a leader and a sideman. He currently holds the 1st Alto chair in the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, performs with Matt Holmes’ Quintet, Maria Graspa Quintet and Collidescope.

www.liambrennan.org