Drummer Stephen Keogh looks forward to two gigs with PERICO SAMBEAT. The great Catalan alto saxophonist and bandleader’s  quartet will be at Pizza Express Jazz Club on 4 and 5 October. 

These gigs which will also launch an important new partnership/ exchange programme between the Pizza Express Jazz Club and the Jamboree Club in Barcelona, Stephen Keogh writes: 

Perico Sambeat is widely recognised as one of the best alto saxophonists in the world today, as one of the most important Jazz musicians to have come out of Europe, and as a charismatic and inspirational bandleader. His artistic collaborations boast a list of musicians of the very highest calibre including Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Michael Brecker, and many more. He is also frequently invited to work as the featured soloist with the main European big bands, in Germany, Finland and Belgium, for example.  So a chance to witness his authority and musicianship at close quarters in the quartet format is something special. He is a compelling player when it comes to making magic out of the long lyrical lines of a ballad (see video below) This night of inspiring music will feature new songs – and there will be some special guests appearing too…

A photo from the day the Pizza / Jamboree partnership was agreed: L-R: Nora Jorba, Carme Saldo, Stephen Keogh, Joan Mas, Joseph Paice

These concerts launch what promises to be an auspicious partnership between Pizza Express Jazz Club London, and Jamboree Jazz Club Barcelona, two of the leading music venues in Europe, both with a rich history spanning almost five decades of presenting the finest in Jazz. Each club boasts a programme that includes many of the greatest artists in the history of the music.

Over the course of the next twelve months, Pizza Express will present three bands from the UK at the Jamboree in Barcelona, and the Jamboree will present three groups featuring artists from Catalunya and Spain at PizzaExpress Jazz Club London.

It is thoroughly fitting that Perico Sambeat’s Quartet should launch this collaboration. Originally from Valencia, the saxophonist was resident in Barcelona for several years at the beginning of his musical journey. When Joan Mas reopened the Jamboree in 1993, Sambeat played an important part in establishing the club as Spain’s leading Jazz venue through his engagements at the club leading bands, and working with many of the greats of the jazz world.

Stephen Keogh’s other forthcoming London gigs are: 

8 / 9 November: Pizza Express Live: Jerry Bergonzi with The Bruce Barth Trio – BOOKINGS
11 November : Charles McPherson Quartet at Ronnie Scotts  BOOKINGS