In one of the most boundary breaking jazz-rock collaborations of recent times former Led Zeppelin bass hero John Paul Jones and cult Norwegian industrial-ambient-noise group Supersilent (all pictured left) join forces for a major UK tour this November. Jones has been pursuing his love of the ever-expanding Norwegian prog-improv scene with an initial gig with the group at the Molde Jazz Festival in July 2011, as well as popping up as a guest with drummer Martin France’s Spin Marvel alongside trumpeter Nils Petter Molvaer at last year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Comprised of Arve Henriksen (trumpet, electronics, drums, vocals), Ståle Storløkken (keyboards) and Helge Sten aka Deathprod (electronics) Supersilent have carved their own distinctive sonic niche across 11 wildly divergent albums on Rune Grammofon and ECM, building a dedicated global following who relish their uncompromising and unpredictable approach to making music which has but one rule: no rehearsals. Jones’ prolific post-Zeppelin career has included two solo albums Zooma and The Thunderthief, a string of diverse collaborations with the likes of Seasick Steve and composer MarkAnthony Turnage, and his role in the acclaimed rock trio Them Crooked Vultures alongside stadium rockers Dave Grohl and Josh Homme.

The Supersilent gigs may test fans of Jones’ usual rock settings as he leaps headlong into some no holds barred performances that can veer from spectral minimalism to churning electronic onslaughts in an instant. Support comes from experimental Japanese composer/field recording artist Aki Onda who will open each concert. Dates are as follows: Town Hall, Birmingham (14 Nov); The Arches, Glasgow (15 Nov); RNCM, Manchester (16 Nov); Arnolfini, Bristol (17 Nov) and Village Underground, London (18 Nov).

– Mike Flynn