#jazznewbloodALIVE2019 at EFG London Jazz festival @WaterlooCreativeStudio
This year´s sold-out showcase exceed our expectations with a strong line-up of 6 artists with an average age of 20 years old.
Dedicated to #femalejazzpower we presented 5 amazing composers and instrumentalists premiering new original music.
Soon videos will be released on our facebook page and our #jazznewbloodALIVE2019 compilation featuring 1 song recorded LIVE at our series will be out on 2020 for International Jazz day.
We look forward to seeing these artists gigging around the UK in 2020.
Since 2016 we have showcased 27 new bands premiering original music performed by 128 talented instrumentalists. We have featured names like Seed, Kokoroko, Mark Kavuma, Brothers Testament, Quinn Oulton, Zeñel, Alex Ridout, Triforce, Cesca, Nihilism, Sam Barnett, Zoe Pascal, Peter Wilson, etc.
We aim at increasing gig opportunities for young improvisers working together with promotores like
Pizza Express / Shades of Soul, Ronnie Scotts, Red Bull, New Generation Jazz /The Verdict / Love Supreme, Jazz Cafe, etc...who help us close more then 60 concerts, in 3 years.
The feedback of those who attended our showcase or follow Jazznewblood work is extremely important to the continuation our efforts, please connect in our social media and leave your review/recommendation here:
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join our mission to support #youthjazztalent.
Here´s my report of the day:
Our first act on Sunday was Saskia Horton premiering her original music. An engaging set starting out with an expressive dance choreography in perfect harmony with her dance 'twin' @chanfyx, straight into a captivating musical piece, highlighting her eclectic violin performance which reflected a big rage of influences from her classical background to improvising language. @brzebry (on keys) provided the ground support to more adventurous interactions with another 'to watch' distinctive and original artist @plumm.sass (on pads and vocals). Visionary and risk taking artists are the ones who lead the way and I'm pretty sure Saskia Horton is one of those.
Second on stage was, Emma Rawicz, 17, talented young saxophonist, leading her own band, for the first time. She demonstrated total confidence, while sharing her own excellent, jazz tradition charged, compositions. I was impressed with how Emma 'attacked' her instrument with fearlessness and devotion. Her young promising band featuring finn Genockey (Drums), Luis Quintero Herron (bass) and amazing Scottie Thompson on keys, are definitely a group to watch our for. From Devon, Emma will soon establish herself in London as one of the leading young female voices for the next generation.
Closing Part I, Saxophonist Donovan Haffner brought the house down with his explosive set featuring great performances from pianist Jay Verma , Harry Ling on drums, Francisco Paredes on Guitar and Harry Pearce on Bass. Coming out of the Tomorrow´s Warriors family Donovan is in line to be the next big thing and he is definitely on the right path. Dora the Drawer captured the action on her canvas in a beautiful painting!
Starting part II, Asha Parkinson is a real force of nature. At 20, besides her Jazz studies at Guildhall, she is also busy composing and performing with big classical orchestras, leading her Jazz World project- Kalpadruma, managing her own charity-Voices Beyong Divisions and just ran a half-marathon to raise funds for Althzemiers Research UK. It is very clear in her choices that Asha is all about building bridges between different Worlds. Coming from a Classical and Jazz background she´s able to reach out to other traditional sounds, from different cultures, to successfully create her own unique musical hybrid integrating all her different influences. For our showcase she brought her project Kalpadruma featuring Joe Parks (Cajon) Harry Pearce (bass) Tim Lallemant (Piano) and João Menezes (Guitar). Asha's saxophone solos are intense and passionate and her arrangement are engaging. She gifted us with her amazing music including Spanish vocals and some hip hop intervention. This young lady is on track to lead on several fronts not just in music.
I first spotted Tara Cunningham talent, when she was part of the Royal Academy of Music Junior academy back in 2017. Presently finishing her studies at Trinity Laban, she is a stand out name in the London underground jazz scene. Her relaxed nature can deceive you about what she can deliver but I describe her style as a silence storm that catches you by surprise. Tara´s set was stunning, showing an incredible range of sensitivity and musicality. She played around with dynamics and brought different musicians to complement each song arrangement. With steady support from amazing bassist Hugo Piper and incredible musical drummer Adam Merrell, she introduced also saxophonist Evan Abel and pianist Max Winter, whenever the arrangement demanded it. Her choices as a band leader show maturity, a great sense of musicianship and respect for the music. At our showcase we got to see a pitch of her genius so I advise you to catch her more regularly with her 'Overnight Oats' groove jazz improv sessions at Folklore in Hoxton .
Finishing on a high note we presented talented bass player and singer Isobella Burnham best known as Izzy. Born in the UK but raised in Barbados, she radiates vibrancy and freshness in her instrumental skill and persona. Confidently led an energetic sextet featuring emerging instrumentalists: Lorenz Okello-Osengor (Keys), Benjamin Appiah (drums), Richie Aikman (guitar), Joseph Oti (Trumpet) and Nathaniel Cross (Trombone). It was a very anticipated, meaningful and emotional set with Izzy dedicating it to her father. In her exciting new songs, we could feel her eclectic upbringing reflected in some of the complex arrangements but always keeping the musicality. Her powerful skillfulness on the bass was well complemented by her surprising vocal capacity. Already on the rise, we see more and more of Izzy collaborating with several prominent artists in the Uk music scene. I can´t wait to see her grow equally in her own voice.
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