PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

From the Shetland Islands, via the 'City of Edinburgh Music School' and Birmingham Conservatoire, Rachael Cohen now finds herself amongst the top players on London's vibrant Jazz scene and one the leading voices of her generation. Head hunted by Bass player Michael Janisch, Rachael became the first female to be signed to his now internationally renowned label 'Whirlwind Recordings', releasing her debut 'Halftime' in 2013 to critical acclaim, MOJO magazine placing it in their top ten Jazz records of 2014. Rachael is a mainstay at legendary club Ronnie Scott's, hosting her own, often sold out, 'late' shows. A prolific composer, here she presents her quartet featuring Shane Forbes, of Empirical fame, top uk trumpeter Freddie Gavita, and young bass star Joe Downard playing new music soon to be recorded for release in 2018.

"....she has a clear sense of where she's headed, with a technique to match"

The Guardian

Originally hailing from the Shetland Islands, Rachael began her musical education on the piano at age 4. She picked up the saxophone five years later, and kindled an early passion for improvisation. Moving south from the Shetland Islands to Edinburgh, she enrolled in the acclaimed City of Edinburgh Music School. There she studied with some of the UK’s most admired musicians, including saxophonist Martin Kershaw and pianist Lynda Cochrane.
As lead Alto for a number of years in both the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland and Tommy Smith’s Youth Jazz Orchestra, she cut her teeth early playing alongside great British and International artists and regularly frequenting venues top Jazz venues across the UK.

In 2006, Rachael won a scholarship to enroll in Jazz Studies at The Birmingham Conservatoire to study with Julian Siegel, Jean Toussaint, Mike Williams, Hans Koller, and the late Tony Levin. Additionally, she sought out opportunities to study with artists Dave Holland, George Garzone, Lee Konitz, Mike Gibbs, Donny McCaslin,Ingrid Laubrock, Larry Grenadiar and Jon Irabagon in her time there.

Come 2012, Rachael had moved to London, spurred on by her signing to the then up and coming label, Whirlwind Recordings where she released her critically acclaimed album 'Halftime' in 2013.

Rachael has now cemented her status in London, working with some of the finest musicians in the city. This quartet is no different, a follow on from her 2013 release, Rachael has been working with her 'Four' for some time developing new music and honing a sound all of their own. Drawing on musical relationships that have spanned many years, Rachael brings together this uniquely talented group presenting brand new music.

Band Lineup

Rachael Cohen (alto saxophone)

Shane Forbes (drums)

Freddie Gavita (trumpet)

Tom Farmer (double bass)