Courtney Pine

Courtney Pine is a British jazz musician, known for his instrumental versatility and his role in founding the Jazz Warriors. His career has focused on blending traditional jazz with contemporary British musical styles. After founding the significant black British big band the Jazz Warriors in 1985, Courtney Pine went on to release his debut album, ‘Journey to the Urge Within’, in 1986, which successfully entered the UK Albums Chart Top 40 – a notable achievement for a jazz recording at the time. Pine’s early career also saw him touring with Clint Eastwood & General Saint in 1981 and featuring on the Grand Union Orchestra’s 1986 album ‘The Song of Many Tongues’.

In 2011, he released the critically acclaimed album ‘Europa’, a project where he played almost exclusively bass clarinet. In 2014, Pine formed the ‘Venus Warriors’, an all-female jazz band established for charity. His ongoing presence in British media included an appearance on BBC Two’s ‘Merry Christmas Baby – with Gregory Porter & Friends’ in 2018. Known for his instrumental versatility and innovative approach to blending traditional jazz with contemporary British styles, Courtney Pine continues to be a leading figure in the international jazz scene.