GRANT STEWART QUINTET

‘Tough tenor’ from New York plays the standards with fresh, hip intelligence. ‘Every song sounds optimized when portrayed in Stewart’s large, looming, luminous tenor tone’ (Jazz Times).

Stewart is a worthy successor to the giants of the tenor sax who have traversed jazz history, a contemporary ‘tough tenor’ who has been mentioned as a Rising Star in the Downbeat Critics Polls for years and who’s a favorite with famous jazz musicians including Jimmy Cobb and Clark Terry. The Canadian born musician, who moved to New York at age 19, has the full-bodied sound every tenor player is looking for. With his quintet he plays indestructible standards as if they were written yesterday.

‘Tenor saxophonist Grant Stewart, without apology, loves the old tunes, and plays them with fresh, hip intelligence. Every song sounds optimized when portrayed in Stewart’s large, looming, luminous tenor tone. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, The Meaning of the Blues and Mr. Lucky are lovingly sketched, but with a free hand. Stewart flows away and reshapes them, but his suave, graceful new forms contain each song’s essence’ (Jazz Times).

‘Grant is one of the most innovative young musicians still carrying on the tradition of jazz, which encompasses bebop, swing and a little avant-garde’ (Lou Donaldson).

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).