Led by one of the UK’s most formidable jazz pianists, George Cooper, The Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions. Having played several shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as well as many other prestigious venues in the UK, they continue to electrify audiences with their energy and virtuosity.

As The Jazz Defenders carry on distinctly ‘defending’ the legacy of some of the classic hard bop greats such as Horace Silver, Lee Morgan and Art Blakey, they begin to evolve their modern soul jazz slant to combine solid grooves and catchy horn lines with a collaborative and comprehensive sound, fusing soul, jazz, hip hop, soundtrack and groove into a masterful union that leaves audiences mesmerised. The result is an enthrallingly unique sound that is as danceable as it is listenable.

The group’s brainchild, pianist and composer George Cooper, has lent his ample skill to a range of artists as varied as Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2, Omar, Slum Village, MF Doom, The Brand New Heavies, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet, The Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra and Lack of Afro.

Genre: Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, Groove

Line Up:

George Cooper – Piano/Keyboards

Will Harris – Bass

Ian Matthews – Drums

Nick Malcolm – Trumpet

Jake McMurchie – Tenor Sax

Venue: Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix

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