Samuel Eagles 'Spirit'

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Last Show: Tuesday 2 nd April 2019

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Increasingly incandescent across the London Jazz, funk and world music scenes, alto saxophonist and composer Samuel Eagles will perform original compositions from his latest release ‘Ask, Seek, Knock’.  Textual combinations and strong, melodious riffs will be heard in the steadfast improvisations teeming with character, energy and originality. Book now to see this award winning band live.

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“A work, then, that pulses with meaning, taking the active listener deeper and higher…”

The London Evening Standard

A formative grounding in classical piano (from international pianist, répétiteur and teacher Gillian Ford), along with a fascination for the recordings of Kenny Garrett, were pivotal in bringing Samuel Eagles to the alto saxophone. All the while, the young hopeful was being mentored by Mornington Lockett, who would regularly invite him to sit in on his own gigs. Notably, Samuel gained a place in the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Jazz band, directed by respected educator Nick Smart. So the pathways of Eagles’ musical career had begun to be mapped out, he was tutored by Grammy Award-winning, US-born saxophonist and former Jazz Messenger, Jean Toussaint, as well as studying under other jazz luminaries including Russell van den Berg, Jason Yarde, Mark Lockheart and Simon Purcell.

Eagles’ 2014 quartet album, Next Beginning, was hailed a promising and engaging debut by Jazzwise and The Guardian (“His deftly swerving post - bop inventiveness illuminates” – John Fordham); and, still in his twenties, he now flourishes as a professional saxophonist and composer displaying both natural artistry and assertiveness. Also becoming established as a popular sideman on the UK’s live scene, a significant contribution to Philip Clouts’ latest album release and tour, Umoya, saw the maturity of his playing enthusiastically praised.

Now, surrounding himself with some of British jazz’s present-day torch bearers – the saxophonist has set out with exciting new sextet project Spirit, whose debut album of original material – Ask Seek Knock – was recently released on the Whirlwind label in July 2017, with longtime supporter Jean Toussaint guesting.

Band Lineup

Samuel Eagles (alto saxophone)

Duncan Eagles (tenor saxophone)

Ralph Wyld (vibraphone)

Sam Leak (piano)

Max Luthert (double bass)

David Hamblett (drums)