Opening acts announced for three upcoming major jazz events at Barbican, London.
Joshua Redman - Still Dreaming + Duncan Eagles | Monday 18 February
Saxophonist Duncan Eagles plays a trio set opposite Redman’s Still Dreaming band. Recently signed to leading independent US label Ropeadope – a measure of his increasing international profile – this performance coincides with the release of his first recording for the label, Citizen.
Fast becoming one of the most exciting players emerging on the UK jazz scene (Jazzwise)
Branford Marsalis Quartet + Nikki Yeoh | Friday 1 March
Jazz FM Instrumentalist of the year in 2017, Nikki Yeoh plays a solo piano set opposite the Branford Marsalis Quartet, drawing from the music on her acclaimed solo album Solo Gemini.
Since her emergence on the British jazz scene in the mid 90s, she has proved to be an improviser, composer and all-round adventurer who has continually sought to broaden her musical horizons - a creative free spirit who has collaborated with the likes of Courtney Pine and Cleveland Watkiss and, in recent months, Denys Baptiste, Carleen Anderson and Speech Debelle.
Anouar Brahem - Blue Maqams + Kit Downes & Tom Challenger
Pianist Kit Downes previews music from his forthcoming ECM album in duo with saxophonist Tom Challenger, opposite the Blue Maqams quartet of Anouar Brahem – linking into the 50th anniversary of ECM Records.
One of the UK’s most fiercely individual voices, he has developed a fascinating approach to music for solo pipe organ and solo piano. A reflection of the sheer breadth of his current work includes collaborations with cellist Lucy Railton, composer Shiva Feshareki, the band ENEMY, and violinist Aidan O’Rourke.
The concerts are co-produced by the Barbican and Serious. All four artists have taken part in the Take Five Talent Development project run by Serious over the past thirteen years.
