Courtney Pine

No musician more embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past thirty years than saxophonist Courtney Pine. To mark his 60th birthday, a special edition of award-winning project House of Legends, which celebrates the influence and contributions to the UK from the many varied people of the Caribbean, and the re-release of his groundbreaking debut album Journey to the Urge Within. The groundbreaking, multi-instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players and was one of the first black British jazz artists to make a serious mark on the jazz scene. Some 37 years on (now with an OBE and CBE for services to music) he continues to break new ground with a string of highly acclaimed recordings and numerous prestigious Industry awards. Deeply steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this very personal project sees Courtney on top form, bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe for vibrant exchanges that tell tales of life from a truly multi-cultural viewpoint. Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso as played through the lens (saxophone) of a UK-born artist with strong, proud Afro-Caribbean roots. Part of Leeds Jazz Festival.