Legacy: Coltrane & Cannonball Tony Kofi & Denys Baptiste Quintet Two of the UK!s most acclaimed saxophonists, Denys Baptiste and Tony Kofi, reunite for a dynamic project celebrating one of the most iconic front-line partnerships in jazz history: Julian "Cannonball” Adderley and John Coltrane.

The original LP was while Cannonball and Coltrane while working with Miles Davis. Miles had gone AWOL and Cannonball used the free time to cut a disc with classics including, Limehouse Blues, Stars Fell on Alabama and Grand Central. The album was created in the same year as both Kind of Blue and Giant Steps, two of the most important jazz records in jazz history.

The Leaders First collaborating in the early !90s as members of Gary Crosby!s influential Nu Troop, Baptiste and Kofi now bring their outstanding musicianship, deep rapport, and commanding stage presence to a fresh tribute honouring the classic Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago recording.

Denys Baptiste – Tenor Saxophone Denys Baptiste is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British jazz. Emerging from the Tomorrow!s Warriors programme in the 1990s, he quickly established himself as a formidable improviser, composer, and bandleader. His early albums earned major acclaim, with nominations for the Mercury Music Prize and wins at the MOBO Awards and British Jazz Awards, marking him as a leading creative force. Baptiste!s playing combines technical authority with emotional depth, drawing from the Coltrane tradition while forging a personal, contemporary sound. He has collaborated widely across the jazz spectrum—from international greats to groundbreaking UK artists—and is celebrated for projects that blend spiritual jazz, Afro-Caribbean influences, and deeply melodic lyricism. His commanding tone and adventurous approach make him an ideal interpreter of the Coltrane legacy.

Tony Kofi – Alto Saxophone Tony Kofi is renowned as one of the UK!s finest alto saxophonists, known for his powerful sound, fearless improvisation, and deep-rooted connection to the jazz tradition. A graduate of the legendary Berklee College of Music, he has built an extensive career performing with the likes of the World Saxophone Quartet, Courtney Pine, Abdullah Ibrahim, Branford Marsalis, and many leading UK ensembles. Kofi has released a string of acclaimed albums, including tributes to Thelonious Monk and Cannonball Adderley, and has been recognised with numerous awards including Best Instrumentalist at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and multiple wins at the BBC Jazz Awards. His dynamic stage presence and commitment to musical storytelling place him firmly within the lineage of great post-bop saxophonists—making his partnership with Denys Baptiste both historically aware and electrifyingly fresh.

Rick Simpson – Piano Rick Simpson is a highly respected pianist on the UK jazz scene, known for his versatility, imagination, and strong melodic sense. A first-call collaborator for many leading horn players, Simpson brings both sensitivity and fire to the bandstand, making him a perfect fit for the high-energy interplay of this project. Mikele Montolli – Bass Italian-born bassist Mikele Montolli has become a key figure in London!s contemporary jazz and improvised music community. His warm tone, rhythmic strength, and ability to move seamlessly between groove and abstraction provide a solid yet flexible foundation for the front line.

Winston Clifford – Drums Winston Clifford is one of the UK!s most in-demand jazz drummers, celebrated for his creativity, responsiveness, and deep swing feel. His intuitive sense of dynamics and interaction ensures that the music remains vibrant, propulsive, and continually evolving.

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