Courtney Pine

Courtney Pine
Background information
Born 18 March 1964
Origin London, England
Genres Jazz
Instruments Saxophone, Clarinet, bass Clarinet, Flute, keyboard
Years active 1986–present

Courtney Pine CBE (born 18 March 1964 in London) is an English jazz musician. At school he studied the clarinet, although he is known primarily for his saxophone playing. Pine is a multi-instrumentalist, also playing the flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and keyboards. On his 2011 album, Europa, he plays almost exclusively bass clarinet.[1]

In 1986 Pine's debut album Journey to the Urge Within entered the UK Top 40.[2]

His recent music integrates modern British music like drum and bass and UK garage with contemporary jazz styles. He runs his own band and integrates many contemporary musicians in his performances. He also presents Jazz Crusade on BBC Radio 2, the seventh series of which was broadcast during spring 2007.

In 1988 he appeared as himself in a jazz quartet in the Doctor Who serial Silver Nemesis.

Pine was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000, and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours for services to jazz music.[3] He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Westminster on 6 December 2004. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Southampton on 15 July 2010.

Pine appeared in August 2008 as an advocate for Pierre Boulez, on the BBC World News classical music programme, Visionaries.[4]

Personal life

Pine's parents were Jamaican immigrants,[5] his father a carpenter and his mother a housing manager. As a child he wanted to be an astronaut. He lives in London with his wife and their four children.[6]

Discography

Albums

As Leader

As Sideman

Singles

EPs

See also

References

  1. Burrell, Ian (12 November 2010). "Independent, interview with Courney Pine". The Independent. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  2. Courtney Pine interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' May 2008
  3. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 58929. p. 8. 31 December 2008.
  4. Visionariesdebate.com
  5. "Profile: Courtney Pine". BBC News. 31 December 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  6. Philby, Charlotte (8 August 2009). "My Secret Life: Courtney Pine, jazz musician, 45". The Independent (London). Retrieved 30 April 2010.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 426. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  8. Courtney Pine and his Band, Nova Concerts International, 15 February 2011.

External links