Mopomoso is possibly “the longest running concert series dedicated to free improvisation in the UK”, according to co-founder John Russell, who is interviewed by Philip Clark in The Wire 437. Russell was already a promoter at the Red Rose Comedy Club in Finsbury Park when Mopomoso (Modern Post-Modern, So What?) took its name in 1990. The night then found a new permanent home at Dalston's Vortex Jazz Club in 2008, and has continued there ever since, only now breaking for the Coronavirus lockdown.

Read more about the improv institution in Russell's interview in the current July issue of The Wire. Here, the guitarist picks a selection of memorable shows from the series so far, taking in special guests, unusual venues and large group sessions.

The Linda Sharrock Group, 3 May 2015

Another special event that I was unable to take part in because of the heart condition, I was similarly delighted to be able to organise this concert featuring the excellent Yumiko Tanaka. This part of the evening has Yumiko playing with Ken Ikeda who has a great pair of ears!

Li-Chin Li & John Russell Duo, Anatum's Abode, 4 October 2014

Another guest special, this is my first encounter with the phenomenal Li-Chin Li and took place in a squat in Limehouse.

Gunter Christmann & Elke Schipper Duo & Trio with John Russell, Arch 1, 18 June 2013

Two remarkable individuals rarely seen in the UK in an intimate East London venue.

Mopomoso group on tour, Manchester, 2013

We took Mopomoso on the road and this is the only time we played as a large ensemble on the tour.

Fete Quaqua day 3, 2010

Back to the Vortex for my annual get together under the Quaqua heading.

Toy Laptop Quartet, 2008

Here is a spoof laptop quartet from one of our Christmas parties at The Red Rose Comedy Club.

And after 17 years at the Red Rose here is the last ever music played there – a Mopomoso concert has me playing in a duo with the great trumpet player Henry Lowther.