The Guildhall Jazz Festival in association with the EFG London Jazz Festival features current and past students, Guildhall Jazz teachers and special guests in a celebration of the wealth of creativity and originality within the Guildhall Jazz community.

The Ensō circle is a Zen Buddhist symbol, traditionally drawn in a single brushstroke as a meditative practice celebrating the beauty of incompletion and imperfection, and the polarity of movement and stillness. It is an inspirational tool for award winning saxophonist and composer Josephine Davies as she plays with the balance of written music and space for improvisation. Deeply inspired by a range of composers from Vince Mendoza to Stravinsky to Maria Schneider, Josephine’s writing focuses on flowing melodies, rich harmonies and creative use of instrumental textures. This performance will feature her recent work ‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite’, a series of 8 pieces that celebrates the natural cycles of the Earth.

Josephine Davies – conductor, composer
Mike Chillingworth – alto/soprano saxophone
Rachel Cohen – alto saxophone
Helena Kay – tenor saxophone
Adam Bishop – tenor saxophone/flute/clarinet
Tamar Osborn – baritone saxophone/bass clarinet
Noel Langley – trumpet/flugelhorn
Rueben Fowler – trumpet/flugelhorn
Nick Smart – trumpet/flugelhorn
Robbie Robson – trumpet/flugelhorn
Anna Drysdale – horn
Olli Martin – trombone
Maddie Dowdeswell – trombone
Eddie Curtis – bass trombone
Alcyona Mick – piano
Dave Whitford – double bass
Shane Forbes – drums