Julian Joseph Trio & Harriet Mackenzie

The most significant jazz musician this country has ever produced for many years’

This concert will see the London premiere of pianist Julian Joseph’s concerto in a new arrangement for jazz trio and violin, played by acclaimed soloist Harriet Mackenzie.

Recognised as one of the finest jazz musicians this side of the Atlantic, Julian Joseph has devoted his long career to championing the music across the UK and into the far corners of the world. He has forged a reputation beyond his formidable skills as a composer and performer and is universally recognised as a highly knowledgeable and engaging broadcaster, musical ambassador and cultural advocate.

This, the London premiere arrangement of Julian’s new work ‘Kayryouacou‘ – the original Carib name for Carriacou, the island in the West Indies where Julian’s father was born – promises to be a truly special evening.

‘Kayryouacou‘ was a brilliant and evocative moment; bringing a world and a place to life, it transported us into Julian’s imagination and memory with grace and verve in equal measure. Brilliantly performed by Harriet Mackenzie, it was a thrilling and memorable occasion.”

(Gareth Machin, Artistic Director, Salisbury International Festival)

His new concerto will be performed by his trio, with internationally renowned violinist Harriet Mackenzie. Harriet has performed across all five continents and has recorded with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Nova and the English Symphony Orchestra to critical acclaim.

“Islands are precious places of family, history and geography but even more importantly of mind, heart, spirit, soul and human connection.” (Julian Joseph)

Julian’s career has been characterised by many ground-breaking advances. He was the first Black British jazz musician to host a series of concerts at London’s Wigmore Hall, and the first to headline a late-night televised performance at the BBC Proms. He was commissioned to open the 2002 London Jazz Festival with a new piece, The Great Sage, performed by his Big Band and the strings of the BBC Concert Orchestra, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

Harriet Mackenzie is an internationally renowned concerto soloist and has performed across five continents. Her recordings include concertos with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Nova and the English Symphony Orchestra and these have received international acclaim, including Five Stars in The Times (Richard Morrison) and have also frequently appeared in the ‘Top Recordings of The Year’ lists.

“There is a completeness, a confidence, an honesty and a consistent lyrical beauty that has moved me again and again. These qualities all emerge in Harriet Mackenzie’s utterly magisterial performance….Performances and recording are first-class throughout.” (Music Web International)

There is a completeness, a confidence, an honesty and a consistent lyrical beauty that has moved me again and again. These qualities all emerge in Harriet Mackenzie’s utterly magisterial performance – first-class throughout.”

Music Web International

This show is part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023