Sam Braiser Trio

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Sam Braysher is an east London-based jazz saxophonist who has won plaudits for his warm, delicate sound, his deep knowledge of the standard repertoire, and his thoughtful improvisational concept. When leading his own bands he takes a particular interest in interpreting lesser-played items from the American Songbook and jazz canon. His two albums as a bandleader to date – both of which feature renowned international collaborators – have been met with glowing reviews from critics around the world: Golden Earrings (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2017) – a duo recording with the New York pianist Michael Kanan – and Dance Little Lady, Dance Little Man (UNIT Records, 2021), with Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau Trio, Lee Konitz, Carla Bley, Joshua Redman) and Tom Farmer (EMPIRICAL, Ivo Neame, Joe Stilgoe, Anoushka Shankar).

Sam Braysher’s new project explores the work of Kurt Weill, a fascinating composer who lies at the intersection of European classical music, jazz, opera and American musical theatre. Although best known for songs such as “Mack The Knife” and “September Song”, Braysher looks at some of Weill’s lesser known pieces, with characteristically thoughtful and varied arrangements, from the swirling harmonies of his Weimar-era early work with Bertolt Brecht, to his more jazz-adjacent American period.

The album (due for release in 2024) features a top U.K. rhythm section: ultra-swinging drummer Steve Brown (Barry Harris, Scott Hamilton), rising star Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer and in-demand Italian bassist Dario di Lecce. Joining on three tracks is special guest Sara Dowling, the charismatic virtuoso who won Jazz Vocalist of the Year at the 2019 British Jazz Awards.

“A triumph of intelligence and sentiment from all in this subtly stand-out recording, with a deceptive simplicity that reveals new depths with each listen.” **** Jazzwise
“a stunning album that exudes a sonorous beauty” **** Hilary Robertson, Kind of Jazz
“Braysher’s cool, modernist twist on old songs is just superb” Simon Adams, Jazz Journal
“The altoist enjoys embracing superior melodies and uplifts the veteran songs with affection… easily recommended” Scott Yanow, L.A Jazz Scene
“the warm-toned young London saxophonist Sam Braysher is a prize-winning investigator of the early recordings and published music of Jerome Kern, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and many others, and imagines a new jazz closely attuned to an old world.” John Fordham, The Guardian