Today’s Feature

May 26th

Courtney Pine, CBE, born on March 18, 1964, is a renowned British jazz musician recognised for his saxophone skills. In the 1980s, he established the Jazz Warriors, a prominent black British band. Pine is a versatile artist, proficient in playing various instruments such as the flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, and keyboards. His album "Europa," released in 2011, showcases his exceptional talent on the bass clarinet.

Background

Pine's parents hailed from Jamaica, with his father working as a carpenter and his mother as a housing manager. Growing up, Pine harboured dreams of becoming an astronaut. Originally from London, Pine spent his early years in the "Avenues" neighbourhood of Kensal Green in the north-west part of the city. Later on, he relocated to Wembley and enrolled at Kingsbury High School, where he delved into classical clarinet studies and even taught himself how to play the saxophone by the age of 14.

Pine kickstarted his music career by immersing himself in reggae music, eventually embarking on a tour in 1981 alongside Clint Eastwood & General Saint. This early exposure to the music scene laid the foundation for Pine's future endeavours in the industry, shaping his passion for music and paving the way for his future successes.

Career

In 1986, Pine made his mark in the UK music scene with the release of his debut album, Journey to the Urge Within, which quickly climbed the ranks and entered the prestigious UK Top 40. Prior to this, Pine had been involved with various musical projects, including the Grand Union Orchestra, where he showcased his talents on their 1986 album, The Song of Many Tongues, a captivating piece composed by Tony Haynes.

Pine's influence in the music industry extends beyond his solo career and collaborations. He is widely recognised as the driving force behind the Jazz Warriors, a groundbreaking black British big band that he founded in 1985. This remarkable ensemble emerged from the community organisation known as "The Abibi Jazz Arts" (TAJA). The Jazz Warriors gained recognition through their series of performances at London's Royal Festival Hall foyer during the summer of 1985, coinciding with the International Youth Year.

Under Pine's leadership, the Jazz Warriors recorded two albums that showcased their immense talent and unique sound. The first, titled Out of Many, One People, was released in 1987 under the Antilles division of the Island Records label. The second album, Afropeans, was released in 2007 on Pine's own label, Destin-e Records, to commemorate the band's 20th anniversary. Notably, the Afropeans project was commissioned by the Arts Council of England as a tribute to the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

Demonstrating his commitment to social causes, Pine assembled the "Venus Warriors," an all-female jazz band, three decades after the inception of the Jazz Warriors. This special ensemble was formed for a charity performance aimed at raising awareness for the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal. The appeal sought to honour the legacy of Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican Crimean War businesswoman and nurse, by erecting a statue outside London's St Thomas' Hospital. Pine's involvement in this project showcased his dedication to using music as a platform for social change and historical recognition.

Legacy & Honours

His most recent musical works blend elements of modern British music such as drum and bass and UK garage with contemporary jazz styles, showcasing a unique fusion of genres. Leading his own band, he collaborates with various contemporary musicians to create dynamic and innovative performances that captivate audiences worldwide.

Additionally, he hosts Jazz Crusade on BBC Radio 2, a popular program that has garnered a dedicated following. The seventh series of the show aired in the spring of 2007, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the jazz music scene.

Notably, in 1988, he made a cameo appearance as himself in a jazz quartet featured in the Doctor Who serial Silver Nemesis, showcasing his versatility and talent as a musician. Following a period of career challenges, he joined the Pet Shop Boys on stage at Wembley Arena in 1989, where he showcased his saxophone skills on their hit single, Nothing Has Been Proved.

In recognition of his contributions to jazz music, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000, and later elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours. Furthermore, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Westminster in 2004 and another from the University of Southampton in 2010, underscoring his significant impact on the music industry.