Peter King Memorial Concert

Event Has Passed

Last Show: Monday 23 rd August 2021

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

A special concert dedicated to the memory the late great Peter King. It would be impossible to cover the 5 decades of incredible music that the great saxophonist gave to us in just this one night. So tonight, musicians who knew and played with Peter will play a selection of some of his music, and some other pieces that he particularly loved to play. The band features Alan Barnes; described by Dave Gelly as "the earthly Peter Pan of British jazz”, and a wonderful multi-instrumentalist who was loved and admired by Peter and with whom he collaborated on many occasions. Peter was always a great supporter of young talented musician’s and would have been excited to hear the fantastic playing of Jim Gold (alto) and Will Barry (piano). The rhythm section is completed by Jeremy Brown (bass) and Stephen Keogh (drums); Peter’s own rhythm section for almost 2 decades. A special guest appearance of outstanding violinists Darragh Morgan and Nicky Gwent join us to play "Ronnie's Sorrow"; Peter's take on a beautiful piece by Bartok and dedicated to the memory of Ronnie Scott.

Right up to the end of his life Peter was dazzling audience with his spontaneity, sensational swing, beauteous melodic sense and breathtaking virtuosity. He was without doubt one of the greatest alto sax players in the world and one the greatest musician's to have emerged from the UK. He soared over changes playing pure melody with the excitement of a hurricane, every note imbued with passion.

If was music a tangible art Peter would have been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Peter's earthly existence came to and end on August 23rd, 2020. We remember him tonight, one year later; with love and thanks for all the beautiful music and good feelings he gave to so many, and is still giving though his recordings.

During the course of the evening there will be some short readings/anecdotes and we may also do a raffle and /or other fundraising activites to support the Peter King Bursary, created to support talented young musicians. 

Band Line Up

Alan Barnes (saxophones)
Jim Gold (alto saxophone)
Will Barry (piano)
Jeremy Brown (bass)
Stephen Keogh (drums)
Darragh Morgan (violin)
Nicky Gwent (violin)