Listen! presents...

Adam Fairhall & Johnny Hunter

Photo: Martin Archer

Stalwarts of Manchester's creative music scene, Adam and Johnny have established a close musical understanding through a number of projects, including their piano trio Fragments (with Seth Bennett) and the organ trio Revival (with Mark Hanslip).

Working together as a duo they explore early jazz forms through their highly personal avant-garde lens. The piano/drums combo is perfectly suited to this, they say, being a favoured line-up both in Harlem stride and free music. In this format their communication, quick thinking and sheer playfulness is fully evident! 

The pair previously appeared at Listen! in 2021, when they explored the music of the fondly-remembered Trinidadian pianist Winifred Atwell. Now they have turned their attention to 'the first lady of jazz', composer and pianist Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981).

In May 2025, Adam and Johnny released their album 'Play Mary Lou Williams' on the Discus label. As label boss, Martin Archer says, '...the recording truly embodies the spirit of the composer. Mary Lou Williams lived and played the entire history of jazz from ragtime to avant-garde with her own hands and imagination, and that restless and inquisitive spirit is lovingly channelled by the duo,'

'The joyous renditions of Williams' material are clearly full of affection, even as the pair deconstruct, fragment and even totally abandon them. Ultimately, the merry confluence of jaunty swinging grooves and spirited digressions into the weeds enriches both.' - John Sharpe, New York City Jazz Record

Mary Lou Williams was the subject of BBC Radio 3's Composer of the Week series in November 2019. Listen here...

Check out Adam and Johnny's album 'Play Mary Lou Williams'. Listen and buy here...

Saturday 16th May 2026

Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road, Cambridge CB1 1JW

Doors 7.30pm / music 8pm

£18 (£9, 18 and under) plus booking fee, in advance

www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge

£22/£11 on the door (if available)