We’re giving over this week’s Jazz on 3 to a national treasure.
The story of British jazz over the last 40 years owes much to reeds player John Surman. He has helped shape both the more pastoral, lyrical side of our music as well as its freer corners – and his own rich musical history is condensed into this featured solo performance.
From the opening, echoey wanderings on treble recorder (one of his first instruments, as he tells me before the gig) through Norwegian cowherd songs to the closing blues on baritone sax, Surman weaves many different soundscapes into the set, enriched by his trademark pedals and synths. It’s not hard to see why his solo work has formed such an important part of his career.
Join me for this programme at the slightly later time of 11.45pm on Monday 29 July or listen online for seven days after broadcast.
Jez
If you have comments about the show, or requests for music you’d like to hear, do get in touch at jazzon3@bbc.co.uk or on Twitter '@BBCJazzon3'.
