Camilla George Quartet

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Last Show: Monday 26 th March 2018

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Camilla George, MOBO-nominated saxophonist and star of acclaimed group ‘Jazz Jamaica’ showcases material from her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Isang’ as well as a sneak peak into her upcoming album, ‘The People could Fly’ which will be officially released in Summer 2018. Camilla is a critically acclaimed saxophonist who has been dubbed “The Golden Girl of Jazz” by The Evening Standard. She has hand-picked an exciting band, showcasing some of London’s finest young players, including Sarah Tandy (Gilad Atzmon, Jazz Jamaica), bassist Daniel Casimir (winner of 2016 Musicians Company Award, Clark Tracey, Jean Toussaint) and on drums Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith). “The world is safe because we have Camilla.”  Dee Dee Bridgewater

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"Saxophonist Camilla George is the girl with the gold touch."

Jane Cornwell Evening Standard

Born in Eket, Nigeria, Camilla has been interested in music from an early age and particularly in the fusion of African and Western music. She grew up listening to Fela alongside Jackie McLean and Charlie Parker. She began playing the saxophone when she was 11 years old where she won a music contest and as a result won saxophone lessons.

Camilla went on to study with many jazz greats such as saxophone giant, Jean Toussaint (of Art Blakey fame), Julian Siegal and Martin Speake at Trinity College of Music where she gained a Masters in Jazz Performance as well as in 2011 being awarded The Archer Scholarship for Outstanding Performance.

In 2009 she joined award winning band, Jazz Jamaica and performed with special guest, Ernest Ranglin at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club. In 2013 they were nominated for a MOBO award for Jazz Performance. They have performed globally most recently in Guadalajara, Mexico to 5000 people as well as performing regularly at Ronnie Scott’s and The Hideaway.

In March 2014 she joined Courtney Pine’s Venus Warriors, an all female group. This project and particularly the fusion of sounds and influences inspired Camilla to create her new quartet project.

Formed in 2014, the CGQ (Camilla George Quartet) featuring pianist Sarah Tandy (Gilad Atzmon), bassist Daniel Casimir (Clark Tracey) and drummer Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith), is an exciting quartet showcasing some of London’s finest young players.

After successfully releasing their EP, Lunacity in 2014, Camilla signed to Ubuntu Music in January 2017 and released her debut album, ‘Isang’ to wide critical acclaim. As well as 4* reviews from The Evening Standard, Jazzwize, Jazz Uk and the Guardian to name a few. Camilla was also named by Jazzwise as a musician to watch out for in 2017.

The album, Isang pronounced (E-S-A-NG), is a celebration of the jazz tradition, from its African roots through to its modern forms. The title of the album, Isang is an old Effik word which means journey and symbolises the musical journey that the CGQ have embarked upon. Effik is the language of coastal south-eastern Nigerians and is of particular significance as it is where Camilla was born. The album is a fusion of African, Caribbean and modern jazz influences. The album also features guest vocalist, multi award wining, Zara
McFarlane.

After a sold out launch at Pizza Express Soho, they went on to do a successful 9 date regional tour where they sold out the majority of venues and received rave reviews from the regional press.

The band has gigged solidly being fortunate to support Courtney Pine’s album launch ft. Omar at The Barbican as well as performing at Love Supreme (where Camilla took part in a panel discussion with Kamasi Washington) and Cheltenham Jazz Festival. They also supported Dee Dee Bridgewater at The Cadogan Hall for the 2017 London Jazz festival who was so impressed she remarked, “The world is safe because we have Camilla!”

In addition, British Airways have featured Isang as part of their in fight entertainment thus broadening the band’s reach.

Camilla is currently working on her follow up album, ‘The People Could Fly’ based on a book of African folktales, which will be released in Autumn 2018.

Camilla has also just been chosen to take part in Serious’s Take five artistic development prpgramme in Feb 2018.

Band Lineup

Camilla George (alto sax)

Sarah Tandy (piano)

Daniel Casimir (bass)

Femi Koleoso (drums)