Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 30, 1944 in Tavistock, Devonshire, England

Genre

:

Film

 

John Surman is a British jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 30, 1944, in Tavistock, Devon, England, Surman grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the clarinet and then to the saxophone, which became his primary instrument. Surman's interest in jazz began in his teenage years, and he was heavily influenced by the music of John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Eric Dolphy. He studied at the London College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, where he honed his skills as a saxophonist and composer. In the early 1960s, Surman began performing with various jazz groups, including the Mike Westbrook Orchestra and the Graham Collier Sextet. He also recorded his first album, "John Surman Quartet," in 1968, which showcased his unique blend of jazz and classical music. Throughout the 1970s, Surman continued to experiment with different musical styles and instruments, including the bass clarinet and synthesizer. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including pianist John Taylor, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and guitarist Terje Rypdal. One of Surman's most notable works from this period is his 1979 album "Upon Reflection," which features a solo performance by Surman on baritone and soprano saxophones. The album received critical acclaim and is considered a landmark in the history of solo saxophone recordings. In the 1980s, Surman began to incorporate more classical elements into his music, including orchestral arrangements and choral vocals. He composed several works for large ensembles, including "Coruscating," which was commissioned by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1982. Surman's interest in classical music continued to grow throughout the 1990s, and he began to focus more on composing for chamber ensembles. He collaborated with the Hilliard Ensemble on several projects, including the 1993 album "A Surman Project," which features Surman's compositions for saxophone and voice. In 2004, Surman released "Free and Equal," a double album that features his compositions for a 14-piece ensemble. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Surman's most recent work is his 2018 album "Invisible Threads," which features collaborations with pianist Nelson Ayres and percussionist Rob Waring. The album showcases Surman's continued exploration of jazz and classical music, and his ability to seamlessly blend the two genres. Throughout his career, Surman has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1999 for his services to music, and in 2017 he was awarded the German Jazz Prize for his lifetime achievement in jazz. In conclusion, John Surman is a highly influential figure in the world of classical music. His unique blend of jazz and classical music has inspired countless musicians and composers, and his contributions to the saxophone repertoire are unparalleled. Surman's ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and instruments has made him one of the most innovative and exciting composers of his generation.

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