Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music
Line-up:
Sam Leak – Piano
James Owston – Double bass
Mark Taylor – Drums
About
Sam Leak is an award-winning 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’s celebrating the music of Chick Corea, with a focus on his seminal 1968 album “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs,” alongside bassist James Owston and drummer Mark Taylor. Mark Taylor has played with an impressive array of musicians including Pepper Adams, Benny Carter, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Kenny Barron, and many others. His discography includes over sixty albums, including the Grammy-nominated “The Mose Chronicles” by Mose Allison. BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018 Finalist James Owston is fast establishing himself as one of the top bassists on the UK scene, performing with musicians including Paul Dunmall, Neil Yates, Jay Phelps, and Xhosa Cole.