Caribbean-influenced jazz originals from pianist & composer Luke Bacchus – with Marlon Hibbert on steel pans. This young quartet’s passionate celebrates the immense musical heritage of the Windrush Generation.
BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022 finalist, pianist and composer Luke Bacchus is one of the most exciting emerging jazz musicians on the UK scene, as well as internationally – he played in the Montreux Jazz Festival house band this summer.
Born and raised in London to Guyanese parents, Bacchus musically explores his Caribbean heritage as one of his major sources of inspiration, taking in genres and rhythms well beyond what we conventionally hear about. These compositions were first performed this summer at the Vortex Jazz Club, London – on the 75th Anniversary of the first arrivals from the Caribbean on the Windrush.
The line-up is the same as at the Vortex and includes young steel pan virtuoso Marlon Hibbert, winner of multiple awards who, at the age of just 17 years, founded the hugely successful Endurance Steel Orchestra which has developed in breadth and depth over the years he’s been leader. Nate Ricketts (drums) and Amy Gadiaga (bass) complete the line-up. (NB: Menelik Claffey (bass) was listed in our early printed programme}
Luke has a distinctive sound, pairing entrancing rhythms from the Caribbean with jazz harmonies in his original compositions, as well as a unique approach to playing standards.
Initially teaching himself jazz piano from YouTube videos, Luke went on to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London. Musical influences include Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Thelonious Monk.
Watch his BBC 2022 Jazz Finalist performance here, with trio partners Michael and Mark Mondesir. In the run-up to this, he talks about his musical background here. Another video is of his composition ‘Cannibalisme’ live at the Crypt, London in March 2023. (NB: Amy Gadiaga plays bass in this line-up).
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a memorable session of Caribbean-influenced jazz originals from pianist and composer Luke Bacchus – with Marlon Hibbert on steel pans. A passionate celebration of the immense musical heritage of the Windrush Generation.
Luke Bacchus – piano
Marlon Hibbert – steel pans
Nate Ricketts – drums
Amy Gadiaga – double bass
*Please note, seating for Jazz Steps shows is unallocated
