Fergus McCreadie
Fergus McCreadie
Fri 15 November 2024
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Fergus McCreadie
Plus Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer
Critically acclaimed Scottish pianist Fergus McCreadie plays the opening night of the EFG London Jazz Festival at King's Place with music from his new album 'Stream,' following two sold out performances in our Scotland: Unwrapped series in January. With support from Scottish cello and guitar duo Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer.
In the dynamic landscape of contemporary jazz, Scottish pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie has carved a remarkable niche. Since 2021 his career has skyrocketed, propelled him into the international limelight by two acclaimed releases: his debut album Edition Records, "Cairn" (2021), set the stage for a journey deeply rooted in natural themes, while "Forest Floor" (2022) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and clinching Scottish Album of the Year - the first ever Scottish jazz album to do so.
This year Fergus has toured extensively with contemporary string ensemble the Manchester Collective, been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 from Queen Elizabeth Hall, undertaken a weekend residency at Snape Maltings, and was announced as an official Yamaha Artist.
His latest album, "Stream," which continues this intriguing exploration of natural landscapes, this time delving into the essence of water. Accompanied by his long-standing comrades David Bowden (double bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums), Fergus's music flows through the rich landscapes of Scottish folklore and the sophisticated avenues of contemporary jazz, blending them seamlessly.
Fergus McCreadie is a Yamaha Artist, and a current member of the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist programme.
Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer
'Two exceptional and accomplished new voices on the Scottish music scene, Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer together explore traditional Scottish music with originality, energy and depth. Since launching her SAY Award Long-listed album ‘Soaring’ with a sold-out performance at Celtic Connections 2023, cellist Juliette has continued to cement her status as a trailblazer, progressing and redefining the cello within Scottish traditional music. Chris Amer plays a unique 5-string theorbed tenor guitar and exemplifies a thoughtful, musically intelligent playing style. As a unique duo, their live performances are an immersive dialogue characterised by rich emotional colour, close interaction and vibrant spontaneity.'
“I've long been an admirer of the beautiful world that Fergus McCreadie paints with his sounds. When I was on the Mercury Prize judging panel the year Forest Floor made it to the shortlist, I listened to that album a lot. He manages to pull the natural and contemporary worlds together in such harmony, and with such prowess that I would encourage everyone to go and see. He's an astonishing pianist. He will leave you open mouthed with the dexterity, passion and fragility on display.”
Danielle Perry, Jazz FM Recommends 2024
“You must see this Jazz FM Award winning pianist who has the extraordinary ability to infuse his music with the joys of mother nature.”
Nigel Williams, Jazz FM Recommends 2024
“I remember seeing Fergus McCreadie play at the Jazz FM Awards a few years back and I was totally transfixed by his performance. His latest album ‘Stream’ celebrates natural Scottish landscapes and invites you to get totally lost in the music – it’s a beautiful record. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the album live, you’ll be taken on a journey guided by Fergus and his trio. A perfect way to kick start this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival.”
Nia Visser, Jazz FM Recommends 2024
