This new project explores the beginnings of bebop, when New York’s 52nd Street was buzzing with the new music and the first generation of modern jazz musicians was turning the music world on its head.
With Andy Davies (trumpet) and Alex Webb (piano), Hamish Moore (bass) and tbc (drums) the band plays the great pieces that have since been neglected, by composers such as Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro and Bud Powell – though of course there are also classic tunes by the leaders of the movement, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. High Priest of Bop Thelonious Monk is represented by his early works, Humph and Evonce – and, inevitably, 52nd St Theme.
Tony Kofi needs no introduction to The Bear Club audience but, for those who don’t know him, he is one of the finest sax players on the scene, having won the Best Instrumentalist Award at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards, Best Ensemble at the 2005 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Album of the Year at the 2005 BBC Jazz Awards and was nominated for an award MOBO in 2008. Born in Nottingham to West African parents, Tony spent a four-year period at the legendary Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, on a scholarship music diploma. Since then, he has performed with everybody including the World Saxophone Quartet, Clifford Jarvis, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Eddie Henderson and many others.
Andy Davies is an award-winning Welsh trumpeter (as well as being a comedian, scriptwriter, voiceover artist, actor, and educator) who has hosted the famous Ronnie Scott's Upstairs Jazz Jam for 15 years, and is deeply versed in the language of bebop. He played here with his own quartet in March.
Pianist / arranger Alex Webb has collaborated with Tony Kofi on a series of projects including A Portrait of Cannonball, a Ben Webster tribute and The Pocket Elllington. He also has a long history of working with leading jazz vocalists and he’s well-known to Bear Club audiences.
This will be one hell of a Valentine’s Night.
“Tony Kofi needs almost no introduction at this point for those clued into the UK’s contemporary jazz scene; [he’s] widely recognised as one of the country’s leading sax players.”
“One of the most sensitive and creative trumpeters to emerge on the British Jazz scene in recent years.”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.