About
The long-awaited return of the irrepressible saxophonist Denys Baptiste, hailed as “An icon of British jazz” by Time Magazine, is set to be a landmark event in the jazz calendar at Wakefield Jazz. Renowned for his powerful, emotive playing and innovative compositions, Baptiste has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz, infusing it with elements of reggae, soul, and spiritual music. His presence on stage is nothing short of magnetic, captivating audiences with his commanding tone and dynamic improvisations.
From the moment he joined the London jazz circuit, Denys displayed extraordinary talent, energy and commitment. Spotted by veteran Jazz Warriors double bassist, Gary Crosby at the bassist’s regular Tomorrow’s Warriors jam sessions, Denys was immediately invited to join Crosby’s new band, Nu Troop. Since then, Denys has soared in his development as a soloist and bandleader, earning enormous respect from his peers.
His colossal talent – based on a powerful technique and an ability to improvise fluently and effortlessly across a wide range of musical styles – is matched only by his unfettered energy which takes him and his audiences into the musical stratosphere. An evening with Denys guarantees a display of unsuppressed expression, ranging from sweet “saxuality” to breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat virtuosity. Over the years, Denys has evolved into what the Time Magazine describes as “the icon of British jazz”, with a most distinctive and immediately recognisable sound.
A much sought after soloist, Denys has played/recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz and other genres including McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Ernest Ranglin, Bheki Mseleku, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Michael Bowie, Courtney Pine, Manu Dibango, Gary Crosby, Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Martin Taylor, Lonnie Plaxico, Ralph Moore, Billy Higgins, Jerry Dammers, Sean Oliver, Jean Carne, Marlena Shaw, Noel McCoy, Juliet Roberts, Incognito, Jazz Jamaica, and others of distinction.
Denys is an amazingly versatile musician and, although his roots are steeped in the jazz tradition, he incorporates ideas from other musical forms and popular culture, producing a repertoire which is contemporary, multi-layered and highly accessible. He is also an enormously talented composer/arranger, whose brilliant compositions have already earned him immense critical acclaim.
Denys Baptiste – sax
Nikki Yeoh – piano
Larry Bartley – bass
Rod Youngs – drums
Tickets: Full – £17, Concessions – £16, Students and under 25’s £8.50.
Doors open at 6:30pm. First set starts at 8pm, second set at 9:30pm.
Food available to order in advance and served from 6:45pm.
Venue opening hours
Monday : -
Tuesday : -
Wednesday : -
Thursday : -
Friday : 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday : -
Sunday : -
- Accessible Car Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Dementia Friendly
- Guide Dogs Welcome
- Wheelchair Accessible
Access facilities
Venue Details
Find us at
Wakefield (College Grove) Sports Club, Eastmoor Road, Wakefield, WF1 3RR
Phone
07808595619
promoter@wakefieldjazz.org