We are sorry to announce that the gig had to be cancelled due to illness in the band. We wish Sam and family a speedy recovery. He leaves us with a present: a 45 minute video of the band on YouTube.
George CrowleyTenor Sax
Tom FarmerBass
Sam Jesson Drums
“a free-wheeling polyrhythmic tour de force and to these ears an absolute delight”– Jazz Mann
The Magpie Trio is led by Sam Jesson on drums who explains that much of the music in the band’s set are reworkings of popular songs as arranged by the great Ahmad Jamal. The intent is to capture the spirit of the original artist rather than to simply play his greatest hits. Sam has been a key figure on the London Jazz scene for some time now and this tour marks his debut as a bandleader in trio with Tom Farmer from the superb Empirical and George Crowley from the Ivo Neame Quartet.
United by their love for the tradition of legendary jazz trios from Ahmed Jamal to Sonny Rollins, Oscar Peterson to Dewey Redman, the trio wind their way through many gems of the jazz canon – some lesser known than others – sometimes deconstructing and breathing new life, sometimes paying homage to classic arrangements, with a devoted focus on making music that feels honest and joyous.
“…simultaneously cherished where jazz has been, and relished where it might be headed”– John Fordham, The Guardian
