Jazz musician

No one better embodies the dramatic transformation in the British Jazz scene over the past ten years than Courtney Pine. The saxophonist heads a new generation of exciting and innovative musicians who have chosen to turn their talents to the demanding requirements of jazz music, in all its shapes and forms.His debut album, "Journey To The Urge Within" in 1987, was the first serious jazz album ever to make the British Top 40, notching up sales to qualify for a silver disc. It was a remarkable achievement in British jazz history and established Pine as the leading figure in the British jazz scene and an inspiration to many young black musicians.

The Urge Within

Courtney has also been honoured with a MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Award for "Best Jazz Act" for two years in a row (96 & 97) and was seen performing at their first televised Awards ceremony in November '96. He was also a featured artist on the number one BBC single - "Perfect Day" and can be seen on the video. His collaboration with the BBC doesn't stop their though. He made his debut as musical director on the Windrush Gala Concert for the BBC and led his own band performing these arrangements with an all-star line-up at the televised ceremony in London.

Debut album, "Journey To The Urge Within" in 1987,

Pine and Ingmar Kiang for release in America and the UK, reaching number 14 in the Billboard chart in America in the summer of 1992.

The follow-up to this in 1988, was the acclaimed "Destiny's Song"

his third album in 1989, "The Vision's Tale"

March 1990 saw a change of direction in the shape of "Closer To Home"

"To The Eyes of Creation", Pine's last album for Island Records

March 1998 saw the release of a remix album "Another Story",

In recognition of his career to date and his contribution to jazz music, Courtney was awarded an O.B.E in the New year's Honours.

 

 

 

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