Breen and Boizi

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Both composers and improvisers in their own right, this dynamic duo have joined forces to lead a new and up-coming band. Having performed together for years now in Christ-Stéphane’s sextet, this new project showcases both Christ-Stéphane and Lauren’s compositions, alongside a killing young rhythm section, featuring Jack Thomas, Lorenzo Morabito and Sultan Stevenson. Having already performed together at venues such as Pizza Express Soho, the Elgar Room (the Royal Albert Hall) and the Jazz Cafe, their years of sharing the stage, as well as their friendship really comes through in their frontline playing. Breen’s powerful and bright tone blends beautifully with Boizi’s warm, soulful sound, creating an iconic and exciting hardbop frontline. They both met at Tomorrow's Warriors and have continued studying together at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where they are in their final year.

Lauren Breen is an alto saxophonist who draws inspiration from a lineage of powerful and dynamic alto players, including Cannonball Adderley, Jackie McLean, and Vincent Herring. These figures, as well as learning from Tony Kofi, Rachel Cohen and Jean Toussaint, have played a significant role in her growth as both an improviser and a composer, enabling her to project a rich sound over her swinging contemporary compositions, which have a hard-bop style.

An exciting new voice on the London Jazz scene, Christ-Stéphane Boizi’s music is at once a vibrant celebration of Jazz’s great past, very much in the present and looking to the future. Notable for his inquisitive studious approach, relaxed poise and warm leadership, Boizi is a student of melody, harmony, rhythm and soul, striving to hone in on what makes the work of greats from across the rich history of jazz so powerful, and to apply these learnings in his own music. He has learnt from the great Byron Wallen, Trevor Mires and Winston Rollins.