Recorded at London’s Vortex Jazz Club on the club’s superb Steinway, Hull Suite Live is new this summer from pianist Zoe Rahman, known for her work with Courtney Pine. The album to be issued on Zoe’s label Manushi captures a live performance of a suite originally commissioned by the Hull Jazz Festival for World Piano Day in 2024. ‘Synergy’ from the album to be released in a month’s time is streaming.
Musical Inspiration and Themes
The suite explores themes of voyage, family, and migration. Rahman drew inspiration from two specific statues in Hull: one commemorating the millions of people who passed through the port city between 1836 and 1914, and another looking out across the Humber towards a twin sculpture in Iceland.The work is also deeply personal, reflecting the migration stories of Rahman’s parents. Her mother emigrated from England to New Zealand by ship, while her father travelled from Bengal to study in Sydney. The title ‘Piano Story; refers to a specific family history where her mother sold her piano to provide the financial proof needed for her father to return to Sydney so they could be together.
Colour of Sound was a big highlight of 2023
Superb bassist Alec Dankworth, son of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, and long time England based American Gene Calderazzo – brother of Branford Marsalis pianist pal Joey known for his work in The W – join Zoe, 55, who is from Chichester, and whose style is influenced by Joanne Brackeen. Tunes are the leader’s own.
You don’t have to go to Hull and back for the launch, as Dalston, London folks, is a lot handier than contemplating a trek northwards – the gig (two shows that night) is at the Vortex on the release day of 10 July.
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