Xhosa Cole, the BBC young Jazz musician of the year, brings together an all star line up to play the music of Larry Young’s timeless Blue Note Records masterpiece ‘Unity’. Originally recorded in 1965 this is undoubted one of Blue notes finest, uniting Joe Hendersons technical and sonic mastery of the Tenor with Larry Young’s unique groove and swing on the Organ; Elvin Jones’ Strength and sensitivity of time with Woody Shaw’s uniquely beautiful compositions and fiery virtuosity on the trumpet.
The title was chose by Young because “although everybody on the date was very much an individualist, they were all in the same frame of mood. It was evident from the start that everything was fitting together”. Xhosa is joined by some of the finest on the UK scene to fill these enormous boots. On drums, British Drum titan Jim Bashford who has played with the likes of Soweto Kinch, John O’Gallagher and Drew Gress to name a few over the course of his long and fruitful career. Alongside Xhosa on the frontline is Canadian trumpet virtuoso Jay Phelps, who has been a pillar on the UK jazz scene for the past 15 years.
Finally on Organ, upcoming star Noah Stoneman, who is currently studying at the Royal Academy and building a name for himself on the wider UK scene. Heading up the band is the recipient of the Parliamentary award for ‘Best Newcomer’, Xhosa Cole, fresh of the back of his first National Tour with his own Quartet. Cole has been carving a name for him self over the past few years diving into the history and tradition of the music, following in the footsteps of some of the other amazing saxophonists hailing from Birmingham including Soweto Kinch and Shabakah Hutchings and the late, great Andy Hamilton. The quartet will showcase all the tunes from the album as well as a number of Xhosa’s original compositions written especially for the performance. Join us for what is going to be an amazing night of awesome music written by great musics and played by some of the finest jazz talent.
Line-up:
Xhosa Cole – Saxophone
Jay Phelps – Trumpet
Jim Bashford – Drums
Noah Stoneman – Organ