In the video playing ‘Grant Us Peace (Our Father)’ Christ-Stéphane Boizi performs with fellow As The Spirit Leads players tenor saxophonist Jacob Wilson, altoist Lauren Breen, pianist Kezia Abuoma, double bassist Tom Sheen and drummer Sacha Harlan.
Pretty taken to be frank listening today to some of the upcoming debuting work from London trombonist, composer and bandleader Christ-Stéphane Boizi who is preparing to tour his debut album As The Spirit Leads this autumn.
The god fearing one has a sincere project built around faith, community and ensemble playing. And the record draws on the young musician’s gospel upbringing and interest in the jazz tradition, and introduces a set of original compositions.
Ahead of the full release, Boizi has a single called ‘The Sustainer of My Faith,’ featuring tenor saxophonist Ruben Fox and vibraphonist Jonny Mansfield out at the end of July. The piece reflects memories of church worship and a personal relationship with faith, set within a steady, groove-based band sound.
Across As The Spirit Leads, Boizi leads an ensemble including saxophonists Lauren Breen and Jacob Wilson, pianist Kezia Abuoma, bassist Tom Sheen and drummer Sacha Harlan alongside Fox and Mansfield. The group moves between swing, hymn-like material and slower, reflective pieces, combining acoustic jazz forms with influences from church music.
The album out in October on Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory label spans a range of moods and tempos. ‘Lamentations’ unfolds in rubato lines over a heavy rhythmic backdrop, while ‘Raymond’ centres on swing and saxophone solos. ‘Grant Us Peace Our Father’ carries a simple, song-like character with prominent vibraphone, and the title track features Boizi’s trombone alongside piano. ‘Golgotha’ shifts gradually from darker textures to lighter ones, while ‘Seeds Of Gratitude’ presents a direct statement of thanks.
Boizi takes the music on the road in the autumn as part of Tomorrow’s Warriors’ Warriors Rise touring initiative, alongside David Kayode and Mali Sheard. The tour visits venues including Southend Jazz Festival, the Pizza, Soho, The Bear Club in Luton and Hull Jazz Festival. The programme offers practical support around touring, planning and marketing for the participating artists.