John Surman | Artist
John Surman is a British jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist born August 30 1944 in Tavistock, Devon. Known for his unique style blending elements of jazz, folk, and classical music, Surman rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the British jazz scene. Learning to play the clarinet, piano, and saxophone from an early age, Surman initially gained recognition in the mid 60's playing baritone saxophone in the Mike Westbrook. His first recording was with the Peter Lerner Quintet in 1966. After further recordings and performances with bandleaders Westbrook, Graham Collier and blues-rock musician Alexis Corner, he made the first record under his own name in 1968. His next album, 1968's How Many Clouds Can You See? was a breakthrough success, with critics regarding it as one of the most pivotal recordings of the era and a defining point in the development of modern British Jazz. In 1969, Surman founded The Trio along with expatriate Americans, bassist Barre Phillips and drummer Stu Martin. That group debuted with a superb self-titled album in 1970. Surman carried on throughout the follow decades performing and recording over 40 studio albums including collaborations with artists such as John McLaughlin, Jack DeJohnette, John Holland, and Karin Krog. His relationship with ECM Records started in the late 1970s and has continued to the present day. Surman has recorded prolifically for the label and helped shape the characteristic "ECM Sound" playing bass clarinet, recorders, soprano and baritone saxophones and using synthesisers. One of Surman's most notable works is his 1979 album Upon Reflection, which features his signature blend of jazz improvisation and classical influences. The album received widespread praise for its innovative approach to composition and arrangement. Always ready to push musical boundaries, Surmans also played with Tunisian oud player Anour Brahem (Thimar); performed the songs of John Dowland with singer John Potter, of the Hilliard Ensemble (In Darkness Let Me Dwell), and contributed to the drum and bass album Disappeared by Spring Heel Jack. Standout albums include How Many Clouds Can You See? (1970), The Trio (1970), Westering Home (1972), Upon Reflection (1979), Withholding Pattern (1985), Road to Saint Ives (1990), A Biography of the Rev. Absalom Dawe (1995), Thimar (1998), In Darkness Let Me Dwell (1999), Way Back When (2005), and Saltash Bells (2012). Also Recommended is the excellent ECM compilation Selected Recordings (2004). John Surman was featured in a profile on composer Graham Collier in the 1985 UK Channel 4 documentary 'Hoarded Dreams'.
Artist Website: johnsurman.com
Featured Albums: John Surman
Related Artists: The Trio, Morning Glory, Terje Rypdal, Dave Holland
