Sam Braysher is an east London-based jazz saxophonist who has won plaudits for his warm, delicate sound, his deep knowledge of the standard repertoire, and his thoughtful improvisational concept. When leading his own bands he takes a particular interest in interpreting lesser-played items from the American Songbook and jazz canon. His two previous albums as a bandleader to date – both of which feature renowned international collaborators – have been met with glowing reviews from critics around the world: Golden Earrings, with American pianist Michael Kanan, was described as “delightful and surprising” by Dave Gelly in the Observer, while his recent trio album with Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau Trio) and Tom Farmer, was praised in Jazzwise as “a triumph of intelligence and sentiment”.
He is joined by an all-star London rhythm section: rising star Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer (Eddie Henderson, Jim Rotondi), ultra-swinging drummer Steve Brown (Scott Hamilton, Barry Harris), and in-demand Italian bassist Dario di Lecce (Stacey Kent, Grant Stewart).
Completing the ensemble is the brilliant, award-winning Sara Dowling. Voted Best Vocalist in the British Jazz Awards 2019, Sara is one of the UK’s leading jazz singers, with London Jazz News’ Sebastian Scotney noting “the fabulous fearlessness with which she approaches the act of singing… There really is something different, special and fresh about her.”
This evening’s concert launches Sam’s new album, That’s Him: the Music of Kurt Weill. Although best known for songs such as “Mack The Knife” and “September Song”, Braysher looks at some of Weill’s lesser known pieces, with characteristically thoughtful and varied arrangements, from the swirling harmonies of his Weimar-era early work with Bertolt Brecht, to his more jazz-adjacent American period.
