Sax master Tony Kofi’s new project explores the beginnings of bebop, when New York’s 52nd Street was buzzing with new music and the first generation of modern jazz musicians turned the music world on its head.
Featuring Andy Davies (trumpet), Alex Webb (piano), Hamish Moore (bass), and Alfonso Vitale (drums), the band resurrects neglected gems by composers like Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro, and Bud Powell, alongside classic tunes by the movement’s leaders, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. High priest of bop Thelonious Monk is represented by his early works, "Humph" and "Evonce," and, inevitably, "52nd Street Theme."
Tony is one of the finest multi-award-winning saxophonists on the scene and a Bear Club favourite. Born in Nottingham to West African parents, he spent four years at the legendary Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship. Since then, he’s performed with icons including the World Saxophone Quartet, Clifford Jarvis, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Eddie Henderson.
Award-winning Welsh trumpeter Andy Davies has hosted the famous Ronnie Scott's Upstairs Jazz Jam for fifteen years and is deeply versed in the language of bebop.
Pianist and arranger Alex Webb has collaborated with Tony on numerous projects, including A Portrait of Cannonball, a Ben Webster tribute, and The Pocket Ellington.
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”
“Andy Davies is 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.