The Karen Sharp Quartet
KAREN SHARP saxophone
NIKKI ILES piano
DAVE GREEN double bass
STEVE BROWN drums
7:30 p.m. Friday 7 February 2025
A prominent figure on the UK Jazz scene since 2000, Karen Sharp is well known and admired for her melodic, full-toned saxophone playing, winning the British Jazz Awards for best tenor saxophonist on numerous occasions and appearing as a nominee in the rising star category of the Downbeat Critics Poll for baritone sax in 2018 and 2019. Karen's career took off when she was asked to join Humphrey Lyttelton's band with whom she toured the UK and Europe for four years.
Karen is currently touring with her quartet which features three superheroes of UK jazz: Nikki Iles, Dave Green and Steve Brown – a band due to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025. Together they create a unique sound that is warm, spontaneous and exciting, incorporating free flowing improvisation with almost telepathic ensemble playing. The quartet have recorded two albums to date, 'Spirit' and 'The Sun, the Moon and You' both of which include familiar, lesser-known and original tunes showcasing the unique spirit of a band with a shared passion for strong melodies, group interplay and respect for the jazz tradition.
Karen is currently touring with her quartet which features three superheroes of UK jazz: Nikki Iles, Dave Green and Steve Brown – a band due to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025. Together they create a unique sound that is warm, spontaneous and exciting, incorporating free flowing improvisation with almost telepathic ensemble playing. The quartet have recorded two albums to date, 'Spirit' and 'The Sun, the Moon and You' both of which include familiar, lesser-known and original tunes showcasing the unique spirit of a band with a shared passion for strong melodies, group interplay and respect for the jazz tradition.
