The Camilla George Quartet (CGQ) is an exciting new quartet featuring some of London’s finest young players, including Sarah Tandy (Gilad Atzmon, Jazz Jamaica), bassist Dainel Casimir (winner of Young Musician of the Year 2016- Worshipful Musicians Company- Clark Tracey, Jean Toussaint),on drums Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective, Jean Toussaint, Tomorrows Warriors) and Camilla George on Saxaophone. Formed in 2014, the CGQ has a modern edge whilst paying homage to the jazz tradition, with a bit of calypso thrown into the mix. The band is inspired by artists such as Kenny Kirkland, Wynton Marsalis, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Garrett.
Right to left: Femi, Sarah, Cami and Daniel.
Their EP, Lunacity was well received by fans and musicians alike. It has been hailed as a “fresh” sound by fans and “thoroughly enjoyable” by jazz legend, Courtney Pine. CGQ have gone on to perform at prestigious venues throughout the UK such as Derry Jazz Festival, Ealing Jazz Festival, The Vortex, Jazz in the Round, Jazz Re:freshed, Ray’s Jazz and The Spice of Life.
The debut album, Isang (pronounced E-S-A-NG) has already received early critical acclaim despite not being released until Jan 2017. This album aims to create a fusion of African, Caribbean and modern jazz influences. The title of the album, Isang is an old Effik/Ibibio word meaning journey and symbolises the musical journey that the Camilla George Quartet (CGQ) have embarked upon. Effik is the language of coastal south-eastern Nigerians and is of particular significance as it is where Camilla was born.
Check out their Website and Facebook for all updates CGQ!
(c) Top image: Benjamin Amure