The Camilla George Quartet featuring saxophonist Camilla George (Jazz Jamaica, Courtney Pine’s Venus Warriors), pianist Sarah Tandy (Gilad Atzmon), bassist Daniel Casimir (Clark Tracey) and on drums Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective, Tomorrows Warriors), is an exciting quartet showcasing some of London’s finest young players.
Formed in 2014, the CGQ has a modern edge whilst paying homage to the jazz tradition, with a bit of calypso thrown into the mix. The band is inspired by artists such as Kenny Kirkland, Wynton Marsalis, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Garrett.
Their debut EP, Lunacity has been well received by fans and musicians alike. It has been hailed as a “fresh” sound by fans and “thoroughly enjoyable” by jazz legend, Gary Crosby. The release, which was held at The Crypt, Camberwell, was a sold out affair. They have since gone on to perform at Spice of Life, Jazz in the Round, Ealing Jazz Festival, Jazz Re:freshed, Ray’s Jazz and The Vortex. They are currently working on a follow up album, Isang pronounced I-S-A-NG (NG as in song), which is a celebration of the jazz tradition, from its African roots through to its modern forms. The title of the album, Isang is an old Effik/Ibibio word which means journey and symbolises the musical journey that the CGQ have embarked upon. Effik is the language of coastal south-eastern Nigerians and is of particular significance as it is where Camilla was born. The album aims to create a fusion of African, Caribbean and American influences. It will include some music inspired by West Africa but performed in the jazz medium such as Mami Wata- a driving blues written to celebrate Mami Wata a West African spirit often taking on the form of a mermaid which is deeply rooted in the ancient tradition and mythology of West Africa.
This album takes the listener on an exciting voyage from West Africa to the Caribbean and The Americas resulting in a distinctive fusion of sounds which typifies the CGQ. The quartet is led by rising young alto player, Camilla George. Camilla has studied with many jazz greats such as sax giant, Jean Toussaint (of Art Blakey fame), Tony Kofi, Christian Brewer, Julian Siegal and Martin Speake. In 2012 she graduated with a Masters in Jazz from Trinity College of Music where she also won the Archer Scholarship for outstanding performance. Camilla is also a member of multi award winning band, Jazz Jamaica as well as Courtney Pine’s Venus Warriors.