Fleece Jazz

Josephine returns to us, adding the piano to her Satori trio. She is the winner of the 2019 Parliamentary Award ‘Jazz Instrumentalist of the year’. Josephine Davies is a musical artist at the forefront of the UK contemporary music scene, pushing the boundaries of jazz with her current main artistic project Satori – a sax/bass/drums trio with an emphasis on extended and collaborative improvisation. It is a project that combines her seeking of freedom of expression with her interest in Japanese philosophy and lifestyle. The addition of a harmonic instrument gives the band a new flavour.

Now becoming equally known as a composer, her unique voice is a blend of classical, jazz and folk music, creating an intensely dynamic sound infused with the Nordic quality of her Shetland roots. Deeply influenced by the American composer Maria Schneider, Josephine was resident composer and tenor player for the London Jazz Orchestra from 2011-2016, and now has her own big band ‘The Enso Ensemble’.

As a saxophonist she is known for her melodic focus, versatility and unique style which has been described as “consistently inventive” (Jazzwise Magazine), “strong and authoritative” (The JazzMann) and “with winning immediacy” (MOJO Magazine).

To the Satori rhythm section of Dave Whitford on bass and drummer James Maddren, we will have pianist Alcyona Mick. Alcyona has been nominated for a Parliamentary Jazz Instrumentalist Award and was described in the Guardian as possessing "world-class ingenuity". She has played with a wide array of musicians including Yazz Ahmed, Henry Lowther's 'Still Waters', Kate Shortt, Nikki Iles, Ibrahim Mahlouf, Zoe Rahman and many others. As a composer, she has a Master's in composing music for film from the National Film and Television School. She has written and produced music for many independent short films, documentaries, animation and silent cinema. She won an award for Best Soundtrack at the Anima Mundi International Festival, Brazil.

James Maddren is one of the UK’s (and increasingly Europe’s) first-call young drummers. He enjoys listening to and performing a wide range of music and has shared the stage with numerous artists and ensembles.

Dave Whitford has become one of London’s most in-demand side-men and can frequently be heard in the capital’s top venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Vortex, The 606 and The Jazz Café. He has also toured extensively nationally.

"Davies has an exceptionally powerful and clearly defined tone, with which she turns melodies into expressive sculptures" - BR Klassik

"Refreshingly imaginative and invigorating." - All About Jazz

• Josephine Davies - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
• Alcyona Mick - Piano
• Dave Whitford - Bass
• James Maddren - Drums

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.