We’re delighted to welcome back to The Bear Club, Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi, a remarkable jazz duo seamlessly blending the ethereal sounds of the harp with the soulful melodies of the saxophone, creating a musical experience that transcends boundaries.
Their latest endeavor, Altera Vita, marks the first studio album by the world-renowned multi-award-winning duo. In this album, saxophone and harp harmonise perfectly, with Tony and Alina also contributing to the percussion accompaniment. Tony Kofi, widely recognised as one of the UK's leading jazz saxophonists, regularly lends his skills to the legendary group Cymande for their live performances. Alina has been hailed as the "New Sound of Europe," and the duo's innovative and refreshing approach to recording shines through in this album.
This homage to the ethereal is dedicated to the influential Pharoah Sanders, a pivotal figure in the creative and personal lives of Tony and Alina. Their connection with Pharoah was deeply felt, having shared a platform during the 2017 EFG London Jazz Festival at the Barbican in a concert honoring Alice and John Coltrane. Pharoah's influence was profound, and following his passing, Tony channeled his gratitude into the creation of the single ''Altera Vita (for Pharoah Sanders)''. With Alina's harmonious harp in counterpoint, a serene musical dialogue emerged, echoing the grandeur of Pharoah's legacy. This track, released in 2023 to critical acclaim, served as a major catalyst for the creation of Altera Vita as an album.
Encapsulating the interplay of West African and Eastern European sonic traditions, notably expressed through jazz, Tony Kofi and Alina Bzhezhinska symbolise our shared human fabric—a powerful reminder that our commonalities vastly overshadow our differences. By highlighting these shared narratives, they compellingly advocate for unity as our definitive path to achieve 'Altera Vita,' a renewed mode of being for us all.
The duo expands to a trio with internationally renowned percussionist Joel Prime joining as a special guest.
“Alina Bzhezhinska, a modern-day supremo, is among the best contemporary harpists”
“Kofi’s playing is gentle yet robust, reminiscent of the bright, mentholated notes of Astral Traveling. Bzhezhinska’s improvised phrases straddle the line between modal and experimental jazz, inspired by Sanders’ meditative collaborations with Alice Coltrane”
“There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.