Courtney Pine
Courtney Pine is one of the most influential and visionary figures in British jazz, renowned for his fearless creativity and genre-crossing approach. A pioneering saxophonist, composer and bandleader, Pine has spent decades redefining what contemporary jazz can be, blending straight-ahead jazz with elements of reggae, funk, electronic music and spoken word.
Rising to prominence in the late 1980s, Pine has released a series of critically acclaimed albums and has collaborated with artists across the musical spectrum, earning multiple awards and honours along the way. His work is marked by virtuosic playing, rhythmic invention and a deep connection to both jazz tradition and modern cultural expression.
Playing BlueTone Festival on Sunday evening, Courtney Pine brings a performance that is bold, dynamic and forward-looking — a powerful celebration of jazz as a living, evolving art form.
Expect: Contemporary jazz, improvisation, rhythmic energy
For Fans Of: Sons of Kemet, Kamasi Washington, Pharoah Sanders
Celebrating four decades at the forefront of British jazz, Courtney Pine returns to the stage this year with Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story — a powerful retrospective tour.
From his landmark debut Journey to the Urge Within to his Mercury-nominated Modern Day Jazz Stories and deeply personal House of Legends project, Pine has consistently redefined what it means to be a jazz artist in the UK. Blending the spiritual legacy of jazz with the pulse of reggae, soul, hip-hop, and drum & bass, his musical lens tells the deeply personal story of a generation and a nation finding its voice through sound.
This special live show brings together key moments from Pine’s remarkable catalogue, alongside previously unreleased material reimagined with the fire and freedom that have made his performances legendary.
Both a celebration and a reflection, Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story honours the resilience, creativity, and community that shaped Pine’s journey from London streets to international stages. Expect a night of deep grooves, soaring saxophone, and the unmistakable energy of an artist who continues to push jazz forward while staying true to his roots.