Jonathan Gee
“He has a splendid, probing style which turns on exact placement of the note, and makes you want to know what the next one is going to be because you are caught up in the expectation, tension and release which underpins musical pleasure.”
About
Jonathan Gee is a seminal figure in the London and international jazz scenes, recognized for his expansive career as a pianist, singer, and arranger. Since being named "Most Promising Newcomer" at the 1991 British Jazz Awards, he has established himself as a prolific collaborator and leader, bridging the gap between the UK jazz tradition and the New York and European avant-garde.
Gee’s career is defined by high-stakes international residencies and collaborations with jazz legends. He achieved significant acclaim with his trio (featuring Steve Rose and Winston Clifford), whose week-long residency with Joe Lovano at Ronnie Scott’s was named Time Out’s "Jazz Gig of the Year" in 1997. A veteran performer at global festivals, Gee has toured with masters such as Pharoah Sanders, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, and David Murray.
His work is characterized by long-term international musical friendships, leading to the formation of ensembles in Italy (Isashiburi), Finland (Northern Star People), and Israel. In addition to his jazz pedigree, Gee maintains a versatile presence in commercial music, contributing to sessions for US3, Alison Moyet, and Coppe. He is also a dedicated educator, holding positions at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and lecturing internationally.
Projects
The Monk Project
One of Gee's most significant artistic contributions is his exhaustive study and performance of the music of Thelonious Monk alongside saxophonist Tony Kofi. This project culminated in a landmark six-hour marathon performance of Monk’s complete works at the London Jazz Festival—later cited as one of the festival's most iconic performances of the last 25 years. The resulting Tony Kofi Quartet has toured New York, Berlin, and Shanghai, releasing two award-winning albums.
International Ensembles & Fusion
Gee is a specialist in cross-border collaborations, most notably with the Italian collective Isashiburi. This ensemble focuses on radical reinterpretations of contemporary music, including their 2020 release Reimagining the Beatles. He also continues to lead high-concept groups such as the Northern Star People in Finland and his New York trio featuring drummer Nasheet Waits, with whom he has performed sell-out shows at Dizzy’s Club, Lincoln Center.
Vocalist & Lyricist
Currently, Gee is expanding his profile as a vocalist and lyricist, preparing a solo album for release that integrates his jazz sensibilities with a focus on songcraft. This work extends to the European acid-jazz scene, where he features as a singer and lyricist for projects such as the Italian-based Boom Collective, with upcoming festival tours across Bulgaria and Southern Italy.
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