The Darkening Blue is a London based jazz ensemble led by American trumpeter, composer and bandleader Andre Canniere featuring saxophonist Tori Freestone, vocalist Brigitte Beraha, pianist Rick Simpson, bassist Tom Farmer and drummer Andrew Bain. The band was formed out of a desire to connect music with words, the initial inspiration being two of Canniere’s literary heroes – Charles Bukowski and Rainer Maria Rilke.
In October 2016, the band’s first album was released to widespread critical acclaim followed by a successful Arts Council England supported tour. The band has appeared at major jazz venues all over the UK including a 2017 performance at the Manchester Jazz Festival and their music has been broadcast on BBC Radio, Jazz FM and RTE in Ireland.
Currently Canniere is writing new material for The Darkening Blue which will feature words written by UK-based women including established Leeds-based poet Malika Booker and London-based artist Rebecca Lynch (creative-writer-in-residence at King’s College, London). This will be the final date of their Arts Council supported 2018 UK tour.