We’re thrilled to present this double bill of saxophone-led groups; two of the most original in the UK at the moment. Tonight’s concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC R3’s Jazz on 3.
Triumvirate
‘Denys Baptiste…taking Europe by storm and becoming the icon of British jazz’
Time Magazine
The multi award-winning saxophonist/composer Denys Baptiste returns with a new trio as he opens the page on a fresh, modern songbook for his latest project. Triumvirate sees Denys team up with double bassist Larry Bartley and drummer Moses Boyd as they take quality songs of the recent past and reinterpret them in trio format to ‘present familiar material in an unfamiliar way’. The arrangements are fluid improvised pieces that will retain their essence and familiarity as the Triumvirate explores the hidden corners of compositions including Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy, Cindy Lauper’s Time After Time and Bill Withers Grandma’s Hands. An unexpected source of inspiration for Denys Baptiste perhaps, but one that he hopes will open audiences’ ears to new and interesting music.
Denys Baptiste – saxophone
Larry Bartley – bass
Moses Boyd – drums
Nat Birchall Quintet
“To hear soulful saxophonist Nat Birchall and his quintet play live in a small room is one of the most intense jazz experiences you can get.” The Independent
Hailed by Gilles Peterson as “one of the best musicians in the UK”, saxophonist Nat Birchall remains one of the UK’s hidden jazz treasures. A modest man, Birchall is happy out of the limelight but nonetheless has found international acclaim for a series of fine albums on Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana label as well as more recently his own Sound Soul and Spirit imprint. Playing tenor and soprano saxophones, he is a band leader, composer and arranger (and occasional DJ) who has grabbed listeners attention with his soulful sound and inspirational spiritual music.
Tonight he plays with his Quintet, featuring some of the most exciting musicians in their own right.
Nat Birchall – tenor/soprano saxophones,percussion
Adam Fairhall – Piano
Corey Mwamba – Vibes, percussion
Nick Blacka – Bass
Johnny Hunter – Drums
