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"We
seek to speak the language of truth."
Virtuoso
pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian
Joseph is the undisputed heir to the global house of jazz.
Acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over, Julian
never fails to inspire with his mastery of the keyboard, the
versatility of his musicianship, and the seemingly limitless
scope of his creative imagination. Always relaxed and self-assured,
Julian is completely at home on any stage and in front of
any band. His passion for the music is palpable, and his desire
to communicate that passion compelling.
Over
the past two decades Julian has developed and expanded his musical
capabilities in a staggering array of formats. As a solo performer
he holds audiences rapt from the minute he sits down at the
piano, undaunted by either the vastness or intimacy of the platform.
He is to be seen at all the major international festivals, has
toured the globe with his Trio
and Quartet, Electric Band and Forum Project band, directed
and performed with his All-Star Big Band at some of the grandest
venues in the UK to audiences of thousands and premiered two
operas ~ Bridgetower (2007) and Shadowball
(2010).
A
feature of a Julian Joseph concert is the wide-ranging repertoire
of original compositions and arrangements upon which he draws.
Challenging and innovative, they are deeply rooted in the jazz
tradition and, as with all great jazz music, combine his own
unique voice with those of his predecessors. |
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Julian's
musical ideas reflect the eclectic influence of all forms of
music in the history of jazz: from classical to rock and pop,
everything is relevant. Jazz has always been an inclusive art
form, and Julian is particularly concerned that it never become
exclusive, either in its construction or its execution.
Julian
has also established himself as a jazz pioneer in the classical
world. He was the first jazz musician to be invited to give
a series of all-acoustic concerts at London's most prestigious
classical venue, the Wigmore Hall. He has recorded duets by
Milhaud, Stravinsky and Poulenc with Brazilian pianist Marcelo
Bratke, combining them with his own arrangements of music by
Duke Ellington, Chick Corea and Bill Evans, and collaborated
with concert violinist Viktoria Mullova on her fusion project,
'Through the Looking Glass'. As a soloist, he has given recitals
of Bartók and Prokofiev sonatas and performed Gershwin's
Piano Concerto in F and the Rhapsody in Blue with some
of the most renowned symphony orchestras in Europe. At the same
time, Julian's own classically-oriented work never ventures
too far away from his jazz focus. This is particularly evident
in his writing for big band and strings, full symphony orchestra
and opera, in which he demonstrates an exceptional ability to
orchestrate complex textures of rhythm and sound without losing
the essential groove that is at the heart of jazz. In this way
he is ever pushing the boundaries, whilst building on the legacy
of the great jazz composers ~ Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Herbie
Hancock and Jaco Pastorius. |
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Julian
is greatly respected and much sought-after by other musicians
in both the jazz and classical worlds. He has a generosity of
spirit that is both infectious and reassuring. He brings to
projects an enthusiasm and commitment that guarantees success.
His collaborations are varied and dynamic, and his contribution
to these projects always significant and highly valued.
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Off
the concert platform, Julian is in constant demand as a broadcaster
and presenter. His weekly radio show, 'Jazz Legends' for BBC
Radio 3, ran for six seasons, from April 2000 to February 2007.
In 2007 he joined BBC Radio 3's 'Jazz Line-Up' team. He has
made two series for Meridian TV in the UK, 'Jazz with Julian
Joseph', and a jazz series for Sky TV's 'Artsworld' channel.
He is the recipient of numerous music awards, including the
2006 Parliamentary Jazz Awards' Broadcaster of the Year, and
was recently invited to become a 'Creative Industries Luminary
for London' by Mayor Ken Livingstone.
Julian
also plays an important role in jazz education. He was central
to the launch of a jazz syllabus for the Associated Board of
the Royal Schools of Music ~ the UK's primary music examination
board ~ which includes some of his own compositions and always
keen to pass on his knowledge and skills to aspiring players,
regularly builds into his touring schedule time to advise and
nurture students of all ages. He is a patron of the Jazz Development
Trust, Pembroke Music Academy, Band on the Wall and the Firebird
Trust.
Julian
Joseph has reached the peak of his profession but only just
begun to demonstrate the scope of his potential. The multi-faceted
dimensions of his artistry are plain. As a pianist he is unsurpassed,
as a composer he has brought new vitality to the music, and
as a descendent of the jazz greats, he is not only fulfilling
their legacy, but promises to become a seminal figure for the
twenty-first century. |
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