Fleece Jazz

Seamlessly blending the ethereal sounds of the harp with the soulful melodies of the saxophone, with the addition of a wide array of percussion, this remarkable jazz duo-turned-trio create a musical experience that transcends boundaries.  Their collaboration started in 2017, when they appeared as a quartet at the Barbican as part of the celebration of the music of Alice and John Coltrane during the 2017 EFG London Jazz Festival, receiving a Jazz FM Award nomination for Best Live Experience of the Year. Their performance then and now is a testament to the power of harmonious fusion, as they draw inspiration from jazz traditions while infusing their performances with innovation and improvisation. Together, they craft enchanting narratives through their music, captivating audiences with each note and ensuring that their jazz legacy continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.

Undoubtedly one of the leading harpists in the world today, Alina Bzhezhinska is a one-woman powerhouse on a mission to bring the harp to the fore of contemporary sound.  Since her award-winning appearance in 2017, her recordings and concert performances have affirmed her as an important and original artist.  From Royalty to the jazz greats of today, Alina Bzhezhinska has performed at the late Queen’s 80th Birthday and before King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; she has also collaborated with world-class artists such as Kamaal Williams, DJ Spinna (NYC), Slide Johnson (Paris), Tony Kofi and Shabaka Hutchings.

Bzhezhinska is a creator of a unique international formation, the Hip Harp Collective. She also runs a charity to support her home country, Ukraine.

Saxophonist Tony Kofi first came to prominence in the 1990s as a member of The Jazz

Warriors and Gary Crosby’s Nu Troop. Subsequently, as well as leading his own groups including the Monk Liberation Front, he played with Billy Higgins, Clifford Jarvis, Courtney Pine and David Murray’s iconic US band the World Saxophone Quartet (the first UK born musician in the group). And, in addition to multiple BBC Jazz Awards, he’s also a Parliamentary Jazz Award winner and a MOBO nominee. Alina and Tony have known each other since 2015 and their musical partnership has produced three albums, including their latest Altera Vita. In their own words, the album is described as “resonating deeply with the musical style of our hero”, the late US saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, who influenced their “artistic journey through Jazz”. With Tony’s West African and Alina’s Eastern European roots also informing the compositions, the music aims to bring “solace and elation to those who listen in these uncertain times.” Downbeat Magazine awarded the recording five stars, commenting, “Wow… a powerful, moving, take-your-breath-away masterpiece”.

Percussionist, Joel Prime, was an original member of the quartet that first appeared live in 2017 (along with Larry Bartley) and has continued to work with Alina Bzhezhinska ever since. On a kit from the age of three and playing regular gigs at 11, Joel had drumming prowess that was immediately evident. But natural flair merely introduced him to the possibilities of percussion. A solid regime of practice developed his sparkling technique, and Joel’s acquired skill through hard work and persistence became his entrée card to a world of musical diversity. Indeed, his versatility across congas, drum kit and all manner of Afro- Cuban and Brazilian percussion now sees him performing with a vast array of ensembles across many musical styles.

• Alina Bzhezhinska - Harp
• Tony Kofi - Saxophone
• Joel Prime - Percussion

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.