John Escreet
@ the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
18 November 2011

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Biography

John Escreet was born in Doncaster, England, 1984. Since moving to New York in 2006, Escreet has had a powerful impact, and has emerged as one of the most creative and original pianists on the music scene there. He is highly revered amongst his peers for his creativity, openness and for his own original music, which draws inspiration from many different sources, and encompasses them all and much more.

He leads his own group ‘The John Escreet Project’ which is described by the New York Times as “a superb band”, and which features some of the most exciting and forward-thinking improvising musical talents on the New York jazz scene - David Binney (alto saxophone), Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Matt Brewer (double bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums).

His second album “Don’t Fight The Inevitable” was recorded with this group, and released in June 2010 on Mythology Records, and quickly received widespread critical acclaim. Prior to that, Escreet’s highly anticipated debut album “Consequences” was released in September 2008, and received a similar avalanche of praise and attention from musicians and critics alike.

Another group led by Escreet is a Quartet, featuring David Binney on alto saxophone and electronics, Wayne Krantz on guitar and Marcus Gilmore on drums. Escreet’s third album is with this group: “The Age We Live In” was released on June 14 2011. In addition to the musicians in this quartet, this groundbreaking new album also features a string section, brass section, percussion, electronics and more.

In 2010, Escreet premiered the new John Escreet Trio, featuring John Hébert on bass and long-time collaborator Tyshawn Sorey on drums. The group debuted at The Jazz Gallery on November 4 2010, which was preceded by a WBGO studio session. Hébert and Sorey are the perfect partners to explore Escreet’s musical aesthetic, direction and concept in a more exposed trio setting. The group is set to record in late 2011.

Esctreet has worked frequently in David Binney’s regular groups in NYC, and was also part of the world premier performance of the saxophonist’s new Big Band at the Jazz Gallery. John has also worked as a sideman in groups led by Antonio Sanchez, Ambrose Akinmusire, Adam Rogers, Robin Eubanks, Tyshawn Sorey, Donny McCaslin, and many more.

It is safe to say that John Escreet has long outgrown his reputation as an ‘up-and-coming’ artist, and has now emerged as one of the most groundbreaking, unique and important voices as a pianist/composer in music today.