Courtney Pine presents Transition in Tradition, with support from Omar Puente

Saxophonist Courtney Pine, who was awarded a C.B.E for services to music in the 2009 New Year Honours is back touring with his critically acclaimed Transition in Tradition album set.

Courtney’s 12th album and his debut release on his own label Destin-e World, not only pays tribute to the first great saxophone star Sidney Bechet, but also marks several new forays into sound for the groundbreaking Jazz Warrior.

Pulling together a heavyweight musical line-up that draws influences from Africa, the Caribbean, South America and Europe, the set is as deep as the legacy of jazz, as it is reflective of their collective musical heritage.

A change in instrumentation sees Pine’s Bass Clarinet take centre stage on many occasions, alongside Harmonium, Castanets and Mandolin and the resulting sound is like no other Courtney Pine record. “Of course I pay respect to the great Bechet by playing a silver soprano saxophone like his, but there are other flavours like my Alto Flute playing on The Tale Of Joe Harriott and of course that Caribbean groove”.

4* “..Laden with memorable melodies, his best album since his 1986 debut” Observer Music Monthly

5/5 “Pine is superb…” The Guardian

“….top of his form…” The Independent