Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe
Growing up in London, pianist Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe has had a rich and diverse musical upbringing that exposed him to Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Calypso and Soca, while developing a love of the American jazz tradition as well as the contemporary jazz scenes of New York and London. An alum of Goldsmiths College, his appreciation of these different styles ultimately led to performances at venues such as the Jazz Café, Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Cathedral. The showcase of the programme this evening will be a brand-new suite of original, through-composed music based around the narrative of personal joy and loss. Citing US Blue Note artist Joel Ross’ “Parable of the Poet” album as an inspiration, the suite includes a mix of meticulously arranged material, side by side with featured extended solos from each of the performers. The band features fellow exciting up-and-coming players such as Kassa Green-Jakcsi-sax, Tom Sheen-bass and Luke McCarthy-drums (current or former students of the highly regarded UK youth jazz education programmes Tomorrow’s Warriors and the Julian Joseph Academy). Diarra has performed regularly at the Club this past couple of years, impressing with his talent and building a following as one to watch!
“the impressive pianist Walcott-Ivanhoe…included a lyrical piano solo…inspired” The Jazz Mann
Photo by John Lyons