British Jazz multi-instrumentalist Tony Kofi is a player of the Alto, Baritone, Soprano and Tenor saxophones – plus the flute.

Having ‘cut his teeth’ in the “Jazz Warriors” of the early 90’s, award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi has gone on to establish himself as a musician, teacher and composer of some authority.

As well as performing and recording with Gary Crosby’s “Nu-Troop” and “Jazz Jamaica”, Tony Kofi’s playing has also been a feature of the many bands and artists he has worked/recorded with. His fluent and fiery hard-bop style makes him constantly in demand

He currently leads his own Tony Kofi Quartet, Tony Kofi Sphinx Trio, Future Passed Trio and is also the co-founder with Jonathan Gee of the Monk Liberation Front, a group that is dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk.

“There is so much respect in jazz circles for Tony Kofi.” – Jazzwise

“Passionate… superb… heartfelt” – The Guardian

For his wall2wall Jazz Festival visit, we are delighted to welcome Tony Kofi and the Organisation – with a performance that features music from their new album.

The origins of the Organisation go back over a decade – it grew from Simon Fernsby’s memorable ‘Manhattan Project’ sessions which were a staple of jazz in South London throughout the 2000s.

Drummer Pete Cater was an early recruit.  The band went through several incarnations and with the addition of organist Pete Whittaker honed its no-nonsense, hard-hitting style as the house rhythm section in multiple venues, festivals and residencies.

Throughout this time they worked with many of London’s leading jazz musicians but in spite of associations with several distinguished players, it did not become a regular quartet until a serendipitous meeting with saxophonist Tony Kofi in August 2010.

Tony was fresh from recording with Ornette Coleman in New York and playing both alto and baritone, there was an instant affinity between the players.

The Organisation’s combination of both the Bluesy soul jazz side of the Hammond canon and their knowledge of the more modern post bop side of the repertoire works perfectly with Tony’s approach.

It is to the credit of all the musicians that they have played a long game, developing their craft and style on the UK jazz circuit and the sounds you hear are those of a band who have put the hours in and held an ace in their collective hand until the moment to play it was just right.

“A killer band with real bite” Mark Youll Jazzwise