ALINA BZHEZHINSKA PRESENTS 'INSPIRATION'

Presenting her highly acclaimed Project ”INSPIRATION."

Internationally renowned harpist Alina Bzhezhinska, award-winning jazz saxophonist Tony Kofi, a diverse bass player/ composer Larry Bartley and a virtuoso drummer Joel Prime bring to live this new highly anticipated project INSPIRATION. They celebrate the music of legendary jazz musicians John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby and Randy Weston and showcase Bzhezhinska’s new material that is influenced by the art of these fabulous musicians. 

"...Bzhezhinska’s superlative touch on the instrument does her role model proud..." 

Kevin Le Genre, Jazz Critic, JazzWise May 2017

“…A sincere and abiding love for Ms Coltrane’s transporting and ineffably mystical compositions…” 

Daniel Spicer, Jazz Critic, JazzWise April 2017

“Bzhezhinska played with conviction,...a strong sense of rhythm and superb use of dynamics.” 

*****Three Weeks, Edinburgh Festival

“…Bzhezhinska really demonstrates her skill and no string is left unused...” 

Music Maker Magazine

Originally from Ukraine/Poland and now based in London, Alina Bzhezhinska is an internationally renowned harpist. She has performed with leading classical and jazz musicians such as Shabaka Hutchings, Django Bates, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and the Glasgow String Quartet. Her duo, with award-winning jazz vocalist Niki King, has supported Gregory Porter. 

Alina’s critically acclaimed Quartet led the 80th Birthday celebrations for Alice Coltrane around the UK in 2017. Their appearance at the EFG London Jazz Festival in a special triple bill featuring Denys Baptiste and Pharoah Sanders - 'A Concert for Alice and John' - has been nominated for Best Live Experience of the Year at the 2018 Jazz FM Awards. 

Alina has recorded a solo album called Harp Recital and is featured on recordings by the American harp ensemble Harp Fusion and the Scottish jazz group New Focus. Her new album, Inspiration, will be released in June 2018 through Ubuntu Music. “I set myself on a mission to tell Alice and John Coltrane’s story in my own words, through my own interpretation of their music and my compositions,” explains Alina. 

“On Inspiration (the Alina Bzhezhinska Quartet) bathe deeply in the spirit of Alice and John’s majestic, meditative music, yet also use it as a point of departure for new personal directions. The journey is within, to a better place for humanity.” 

Kevin Le Gendre – Jazz Critic, JazzWise Magazine

The album was funded in part by the PRS Women Make Music Award. 

TONY KOFI - Having 'cut his teeth' in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early 90’s, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority. Tony’s playing has also been a feature of many bands and artists including “US-3” World Saxophone Quartet, Courtney Pine, Donald Byrd, Eddie Henderson, The David Murray Big Band and Sam Rivers, Andrew hill, Ornette Coleman, Nu-Troop and Jazz Jamaica. His fluent and fiery hard-bop soprano/ alto/ tenor playing is constantly in demand. 

LARRY BARTLEY - is a bassist / composer who has been a staple of the London & international jazz scene for the past 20 years as a side man and as a leader. His 2003 debut album, "ALONG THIS WAY" was nominated for 'best new work" in the BBC JAZZ AWARDS. Larry has also played & recorded in various bands including Abdullah Ibrahim, Tony Kofi, Denys Baptiste, Ingrid Laugbrock, Stanley Turrentine, Steve Grossman, Donald Brown (of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers), David Murray, Orinn Evans & Gary Bartz. 

JOEL PRIME - This Australian drummer has become an important addition to British jazz. He was awarded most outstanding percussionist at Generations in Jazz by James Morrison, received a prestigious performance award from Downbeat magazine (USA) as a member of the Adelaide University Big Band 1. Joel also received the Helpmann Academy Award for Jazz Drums at the Elder Conservatorium and received the 2010 Helpmann Academy Award for most outstanding Honours graduate. 

Alina Bzhezhinska - Harp

Tony Kofi - Saxophone

Larry Bartley - Double Bass

Joel Prime - Drums / Percussion

OTHER INFORMATION

GENRES: JAZZ

TICKETS: EARLY BIRD TICKETS £10 | ON THE DOOR £15

SEATING IS UN-ALLOCATED AND IS SUBJECT TO 1ST COME, 1ST SERVED BASIS

ONLY BAR FOOD & DRINKS AVAILABLE IN JAZZ CLUB

À LA CARTE DINING AVAILABLE IN THE MAIN RESTAURANT PRIOR TO SHOW

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 2 HOURS FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS.