A Jazz Warriors fighting comeback

Enigmatic British saxophone colossus Steve Williamson made a triumphant return as leader to the London jazz scene on Sept 1st with a date at Soho's Pizza Express. Williamson is an original member of the Jazz Warriors, a pioneering supergroup of some of todays greatest British jazz names including saxophonist Courtney Pine, bass player Gary Crosby, vibes man Orphy Robinson and trombonist Dennis Rollins.

This has been one of the most eagerly anticipated returns for many years after his highly acclaimed albums from the first half of the 1990s. His debut 'Waltz For Grace' left a lasting impression on listeners to the newly launched Jazz FM in 1990. In fact Steve Williamson was the very first artist to be interviewed live on air on launch day. His return to form recently has seen him play an integral part of flautist Rowland Sutherland's 'Re-imagination Of John Coltrane's A Love Supreme' which attracted sell out audiences in London and as guest on the recent live album from experimental outfit Black Top featuring Orphy Robinson and free jazz pianist Pat Thomas.

The Pizza Express date saw Williamson joined by drummer Seb Rochford from the group Polar Bear, pianist Robert Mitchell, bassist Mike Mondesir and vocalist Filomena Campus. Expectation of new recording is high, although his fans have waited in vain before, but on this live showing the expectation may well be duly rewarded soon.