Julian Joseph

Virtuoso pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian Joseph has been a leading figure on the international jazz scene for over two decades.

Julian's musical ideas reflect the eclectic influence of all forms of music in the history of jazz: from classical to rock and pop, everything is relevant. A feature of a Julian Joseph concert is the wide-ranging repertoire of original compositions and arrangements upon which he draws. Challenging and innovative, they are deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and, as with all great jazz music, combine his own unique voice with those of his predecessors.

Julian is at home on any stage and in front of any band, whether performing solo, or leading his own trio, quartet, electric band or big band, or with full symphony orchestra. His passion for the music is always palpable, and his desire to communicate that passion compelling.

As well as four albums and a mass of original material for small band, Julian has written a number of large-scale works for big band and symphony orchestra, including The Great Sage for big band and strings premiered at the 2002 London Jazz Festival, Mountain of HopeThe Reverend: Back Home to GloryA Ballade of LoveGuardian Angel, and an arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue for big band, premiered at the 2003 City of London Festival. Two movements of a 5-movement suite for orchestra, Symphonic Story: The Great Exception, have been performed by the Halle and BBC Concert Orchestra. In 2007 Julian toured his first jazz opera, Bridgetower: A Fable of 1807 - the story of young black violin prodigy George Bridgetower in London at the turn of the 19th century, and in 2010 premiered his opera for children, Shadowball, about the American Negro Baseball Leagues in the 1930s and '40s.

Biography

Virtuoso pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian Joseph has been a leading figure on the international jazz scene for over two decades.

Julian's musical ideas reflect the eclectic influence of all forms of music in the history of jazz: from classical to rock and pop, everything is relevant. A feature of a Julian Joseph concert is the wide-ranging repertoire of original compositions and arrangements upon which he draws. Challenging and innovative, they are deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and, as with all great jazz music, combine his own unique voice with those of his predecessors.

Julian is at home on any stage and in front of any band, whether performing solo, or leading his own trio, quartet, electric band or big band, or with full symphony orchestra. His passion for the music is always palpable, and his desire to communicate that passion compelling.

As well as four albums and a mass of original material for small band, Julian has written a number of large-scale works for big band and symphony orchestra, including The Great Sage for big band and strings premiered at the 2002 London Jazz Festival, Mountain of HopeThe Reverend: Back Home to GloryA Ballade of LoveGuardian Angel, and an arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue for big band, premiered at the 2003 City of London Festival. Two movements of a 5-movement suite for orchestra, Symphonic Story: The Great Exception, have been performed by the Halle and BBC Concert Orchestra. In 2007 Julian toured his first jazz opera, Bridgetower: A Fable of 1807 - the story of young black violin prodigy George Bridgetower in London at the turn of the 19th century, and in 2010 premiered his opera for children, Shadowball, about the American Negro Baseball Leagues in the 1930s and '40s.

Recordings by this composer

Recordings
The Brown Bomber cover image

The Brown Bomber

NMC Recordings

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Compilations with this composer

Compilations
Spark Catchers

Spark Catchers

NMC Recordings

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External Links

Music Map

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