Line-up:
Sam Leak – piano
George Crowley – tenor saxophone/clarinet
James Copus – trumpet
Simon Read – double bass
Jon Scott – drums
About
Sam Leak is a London-based Jazz pianist described by JazzFM’s Helen Mayhew as ‘One of the brightest stars in the Jazz piano galaxy, a heavenly improviser, and a brilliant prospect for the future.’ His eponymous 2011 debut album was listed in MOJO Magazine as one of the ‘Top Ten International Releases of the Year.’
The 2013 follow up, “Places,” was described by the Guardian’s John Fordham as ‘surefooted creativity… way beyond respectful expertise,’ and by BBC Music Magazine’s Daniel Spicer as ‘assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what it’s trying to do – and succeeds.’ Jamie Cullum introduced Leak’s cohort as ‘the heavyweights of the British Jazz scene’ and described himself as a ‘fan’ of the band in his regular BBC broadcast.
In 2018 Leak released ‘Adrift,’ a duet with New York’s Dan Tepfer, a long-time collaborator of legendary veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz. Of this album, The Wire’s Marcus O’Dair has said: “Sam Leak and Dan Tepfer are two of the best pianists of their generation, and their convergence on this recording is astonishing.” The New York City Jazz Record have described it as “magical” and “constantly evolving and engaging.”
Tonight he is presenting “The Liberation Suite” – a composition paying tribute to Charlie Haden’s “Liberation Music Orchestra.” He will be joined by George Crowley on tenor saxophone/clarinet, James Copus on trumpet, Simon Read on double bass, and Jon Scott on the drums.
“Multi-faceted and smart as a pin, this is poetic chamber jazz of a very high order” MOJO ★★★★
“the music is magical… constantly evolving and engaging…” The New York City Jazz Record
“This is assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what it’s trying to do – and succeeds” Daniel Spicer, BBC Music Magazine
“The Royal Academy of Music’s jazz programme has produced a remarkable crop of newcomers in recent times: notably the Mercury-nominated pianists Gwilym Simcock and Kit Downes. Now comes Sam Leak, an artist of comparable promise…Leak is a subtle storyteller who keeps the grooves and colours changing.” John Fordham, The Guardian
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