John Surman

‘…as formative an influence as Bowie and Bolan, Roxy Music and Joy Division.’ (Guardian)

Composer and multi-instrumentalist John Surman is a key figure in a generation of European jazz musicians who crucially expanded the international horizons of jazz during the last decades of the 20th century. In his long career, John Surman has won many accolades, including the prestigious Ivor Novello Jazz Award, which recognised his prowess on the baritone saxophone and his body of original works —that have extended far beyond the perceived boundaries of the jazz repertoire and are fired by the contrasts of exquisite lyricism, richly textured sound, and intense, full-bodied improvisation.

Surman’s music transcends familiar boundaries. Although a deep love of the jazz tradition (Ellington is a particular enthusiasm) runs throughout his work, he is equally affected by the melodic qualities of choral music — as a one-time choirboy — and by English folk music. Much of his work is powerfully resonant of the landscape and tradition of southwest England… ‘If I look back to what turned me on about music, it is what I heard before I ever came across jazz.’

John Surman will celebrate his 80th birthday in 2024. He will release Words Unspoken on prestigious European label ECM in February, and tour with the intergenerational band which features Rob Luft (guitar, UK), Rob Waring (vibraphone, USA-Norway), Thomas Strønen (drums, Norway), and Stuart Mørch Kerrison (sound design and electronics, Norway).

johnsurman.com