Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

May 18, 1962 in Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Huw Warren is a Welsh jazz pianist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on 14th June 1962 in Swansea, Wales, Huw grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Huw started playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for music. Huw's parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music, and he started taking piano lessons at a young age. He attended the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, where he studied classical music. However, Huw was drawn to jazz and started playing in local jazz clubs. He was influenced by jazz pianists such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock. In the early 1980s, Huw moved to London to pursue a career in music. He started playing with various jazz bands and became a sought-after pianist. In 1986, he formed his own jazz quartet, which included saxophonist Iain Ballamy, bassist Mick Hutton, and drummer Martin France. The quartet released their debut album, "A Barrel Organ Far from Home," in 1987, which received critical acclaim. Huw's interest in classical music never waned, and he started incorporating classical elements into his jazz compositions. In 1992, he released his first solo album, "Dialektos," which featured a mix of jazz and classical music. The album received widespread praise and established Huw as a composer of note. Over the years, Huw has collaborated with many musicians from different genres, including folk, world music, and classical. He has worked with artists such as Maria Pia De Vito, Mark Feldman, and June Tabor. In 2003, he formed a trio with bassist Chris Laurence and drummer Martin France, which released the album "Everything We Love and More" in 2004. Huw's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies and melodic structures. He draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, including Welsh folk music, classical music, and jazz. His compositions often feature unusual time signatures and complex rhythms. One of Huw's most significant works is his "Do Not Go Gentle" suite, which was commissioned by the Brecon Jazz Festival in 2014. The suite is based on the poetry of Dylan Thomas and features a mix of jazz and classical music. The suite was performed by Huw's quartet, along with a string quartet and a choir. The performance was a critical and commercial success and was later released as an album. Huw has also composed music for film and television. He has worked on several BBC documentaries, including "The Story of Wales" and "The Great War: The People's Story." He has also composed music for the Welsh-language drama series "Parch" and the film "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain." In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Huw is also a respected music educator. He has taught at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. Huw has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. In 2011, he was awarded the Welsh Music Prize for his album "Hermeto+." In 2016, he was awarded the BBC Radio 3 Jazz Award for "Best Album" for his album "Nia." He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Mercury Prize and the Parliamentary Jazz Award.

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