Shez Raja featuring Soweto Kinch
Shez Raja featuring Soweto Kinch
Wed 15 November 2023
Stage time / 8:00pm
Doors / 6:30pm
Celebrating the Jazz Clubs
Virtuoso bassist Shez Raja is a dynamic live performer mixing Indo-jazz, funk and groove styles. Featuring special guest, MOBO-award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch.
From the North-West of England, Shez Raja is a seriously talented electric bassist and dynamic live performer whose work in a fascinating mix of Indo-jazz, funk and groove styles has propelled him to the forefront of the UK jazz scene, drawing comparisons to bass legend Jaco Pastorius.
Over the past few years Shez has released the critically-acclaimed albums “Journey to Shambhala” (ft guitar genius Wayne Krantz and Indian percussion guru Trilok Gurtu) and “Gurutopia” (ft global jazz legends Mike Stern and Randy Brecker). He was also featured on BBC Radio 3's Jazz Line-Up and performed at the Royal Festival and Islington Assembly Halls in London. For his latest record (‘Tales from the Punjab’ released on prestige label Ubuntu Music) Shez dug deep into his rich South Asian heritage to create his most exquisite and heartfelt work to date. Inspired by ancient ragas, traditional melodies and free improvisations, the music creates a bridge between cultures with beautiful, exotic and timeless sounds.
For this EFG London Jazz Festival performance, Shez will recreate the sounds and colours of that album with award-winning singer Japjit Kaur, but will also play fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue along with brand new material. The rest of the band includes his special guest, Soweto Kinch. A Mercury Prize nominee and double MOBO-award recipient, Soweto was first known on the hip hop scene as an MC and producer before displaying his remarkable skill as a jazz saxophonist. His albums ‘The New Emancipation” and the ‘Legend of Mike Smith’ further established him as a significant artist, opening the door to subsequent collaborations with Goldie and other high-profile projects. Completing the lineup are keyboardist Tomasz Bura and drummer Jamie ‘Drumcat’ Murray.
“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” (★★★★ Evening Standard)
“Shez Raja personifies the modernisation of jazz. He is fearless as a musician" (All About Jazz)
From the North-West of England, Shez Raja is a seriously talented electric bassist and dynamic live performer whose work in a fascinating mix of Indo-jazz, funk and groove styles has propelled him to the forefront of the UK jazz scene, drawing comparisons to bass legend Jaco Pastorius.
Over the past few years Shez has released the critically-acclaimed albums “Journey to Shambhala” (ft guitar genius Wayne Krantz and Indian percussion guru Trilok Gurtu) and “Gurutopia” (ft global jazz legends Mike Stern and Randy Brecker). He was also featured on BBC Radio 3's Jazz Line-Up and performed at the Royal Festival and Islington Assembly Halls in London. For his latest record (‘Tales from the Punjab’ released on prestige label Ubuntu Music) Shez dug deep into his rich South Asian heritage to create his most exquisite and heartfelt work to date. Inspired by ancient ragas, traditional melodies and free improvisations, the music creates a bridge between cultures with beautiful, exotic and timeless sounds.
For this EFG London Jazz Festival performance, Shez will recreate the sounds and colours of that album with award-winning singer Japjit Kaur, but will also play fan favourites from his extensive back catalogue along with brand new material. The rest of the band includes his special guest, Soweto Kinch. A Mercury Prize nominee and double MOBO-award recipient, Soweto was first known on the hip hop scene as an MC and producer before displaying his remarkable skill as a jazz saxophonist. His albums ‘The New Emancipation” and the ‘Legend of Mike Smith’ further established him as a significant artist, opening the door to subsequent collaborations with Goldie and other high-profile projects. Completing the lineup are keyboardist Tomasz Bura and drummer Jamie ‘Drumcat’ Murray.
“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” (★★★★ Evening Standard)
“Shez Raja personifies the modernisation of jazz. He is fearless as a musician" (All About Jazz)
