Jazz breaking news: Sean Corby marks International Jazz Day in style with Liane Carroll, Tony Kofi and Jason Yarde-led big band
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The second annual International Jazz Day was celebrated in serious style in the intimate surroundings of the south London SGI-UK International Buddhist Centre in Brixton with a line up of leading UK and US jazz musicians.
The brainchild of SGI members, trumpeter Sean Corby and percussionist Neville Murray, things kicked off with a heartfelt opening trio set from top UK vocalist Liane Carroll, while the second half featured an astonishing display from visiting American pianist Marc Cary and UK-based US drummer Rod Youngs in a gospel-edged quintet. Vocalist Randolph Matthews led a lilting, reggae-fuelled take on ‘Nature Boy’ backed by a Harry Brown-led horn section and the SGI Big Band (pictured), co-led by Tony Kofi and Jason Yarde, took things to a high on an evening of music that perfectly embodied the spiritual and cultural objectives of the day. For the full review see the June issue of Jazzwise, in shops 23 May.
– Mike Flynn