No one better embodies the dramatic transformation in the British Jazz scene over the past twenty years than Courtney Pine. His debut was the first serious jazz album ever to make the Top 40, a remarkable achievement in establishing Courtney Pine as a leading figure in the British jazz scene. He was a founder member of the Jazz Warriors and has helped raise the profile of black music in the UK, evidenced by a string of MOBO awards, Mercury nominations and official recognition in the form of an O.B.E. In the 90s his albums illustrated the growing influence of contemporary urban sounds on jazz, as Courtney sought contributions from DJ's from the UK Hip-hop scene and leading drum & bass artists like Roni Size - live performances by his bands amalgamating ferocious modern rhythms alongside Courtney's trademark virtuosity. A notable broadcaster, with his own show 'Courtney Pine's Jazz Crusade' on BBC Radio 2 entering its seventh season, he is also notable documentary maker. Arguably the UK's most influential jazz musician, almost certainly its most prolific, Courtney is on the road again with a new album to tour and a new band of exceptional musicians and some more surprises in store.
Courtney Pine saxophones
Darren Taylor bass
Robert Fordjour drums
Chris Jerome keyboards
Donald Gamble percussion
Cameron Pierre guitar
"Killer Shrimp" is a new group from the exciting partnership of trumpeter Damon Brown (Benny Golson, Dave Liebman) and saxophonist Ed Jones (Incognito, Us3). The music taken from the new CD 'Sincerely Whatever' is very much rooted in the jazz tradition but touches on different grooves and textures.
Ed Jones saxes/bass clarinet
Ben Hazelton double bass
Damon Brown trumpet, fluglehorn, vocals
Troy Millar drums
Jaffa Rose formed in October 2005 from a group of like-minded University of Warwick students in October 2005 and quickly established themselves on the local scene, featuring as BBC Coventry & Warwickshire ‘Band of the Month’ in February. As well as the usual jazz and funk influences, there's a playfulness and a dynamic to their compositions and their playing that hints at real possibilities for the future.
Nick Dugdale saxophone
Anna Frodsham vocals
Laurie Ainley guitar
Stephen Henry keyboard
Rowan Gifford bass
Steven Kiddle drums
This is the seventh incarnation of the Phoenix Collective, an educational project that the jazz festival started in the year of the millennium. Bringing together young people from Coventry's schools for intensive tuition under the auspices of the Performing Arts Services, the Phoenix Collective have performed in almost every conceivable setting but nowhere quite as dramatic as the Cathedral Ruins. The Phoenix Collective is led by Owen Dutton and once again appears with Israeli saxophonist Gilad Atzmon – one of the leading lights in contemporary 'world' jazz.
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Visit the Gilad Atzmon web site »
Also starting in 2000, Livebox began as a way of allowing regional musicians - including Soweto Kinch – opportunities to cut their musical teeth. Livebox has its own signature style of delivery, starting with a performance of rehearsed material featuring here young Birmingham saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, it opens up to members of the audience to participate in the jam session. Whilst jazz underpins Live Box sessions, a unique feature is that impromptu poetry recitals sit comfortably alongside straight-ahead jazz and Hip Hop emcees feel as at home as reggae musicians.
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Time Squared were thrown together at the jam nights at the Tin Angel in Coventry. Since then they haven't looked back. With their unique blend of soul, funk, hip hop bass lines fused with jazz inflected melodic glory, Time Squared have captivated audiences around Coventry and Warwickshire, with an ever changing yet sometimes spontaneous high energy set.
Cat vocals
Wayne Matthews bass
Matt Bramhall keyboard
Parker drums, vocals
Rob Mongo percussion