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.’

-oOo-

In August 2024, we wish a very happy 80th birthday to the award-winning UK multi-instrumentalist and composer John Surman. This milestone year has seen him touring across Europe with his latest ECM recording Words Unspoken, made and performed live with an acclaimed intergenerational band, Rob Luft (guitar), Rob Waring (vibraphone) and Thomas Strønen(drums).

After over 60 years of sharing his music live with fans across the world — where he has played in concert halls and clubs, at indoor and outdoor festivals, in churches, cathedrals and in front of, and with, audiences of all ages and abilities — John has decided to stop touring, so his last international performances will be in Berlin and Hamburg this year.

This does not mean that John is retiring from music. He will continue to compose, record and broadcast and leaves open the option of future performances in Oslo — where he lives.

John thanks everyone — those on stage and off — who have made his life on the road so memorable, and we thank Music Norway for supporting this final tour.

Arts & Parts will continue to be the contact for John and we’d love to see and hear a commissioned work in the near future…please be in touch with us here if you’ve got some ideas about where this might be and what form it might take.

And finally for now, do yourself a favour and purchase the sublime ECM recording…or listen for free and listen often, here.

For more information see: johnsurman.com

John Surman

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

Soliloquy by Genevieve Lacey | Project

John Surman's Words Unspoken | Project