Contemporary jazz and improvisation have a solid reputation. This is due in part to the onward passing of their batons by today’s prominent influences, but also to the legacy of historic greats like Ornette Coleman, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Mornington Lockett, a renowned saxophonist, saw the potential to encourage the early talent of the Samuel Eagles in London. This led to something quite special. Gillian Ford, an international pianist, répétiteur, and teacher, gave Samuel Eagles a solid foundation in classical piano. She also discovered Kenny Garrett’s recordings, which led to her first position in a ten-piece amateur funk/fusion band. Mornington Lockett was mentoring the young hopeful, inviting him to join his gigs. Samuel was fortunate to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Music’s Junior Jazz Band, which is directed by Nick Smart. He also took classes with John Paricelli, Perfect Houseplants, and had the pleasure of performing at the famous London venues of Ronnie Scott’s or Pizza Express Jazz Club. The paths of Eagles’ musical careers were already being mapped, and soon the Trinity College of Music awarded a BMus in Jazz Performance. Jean Toussaint (a Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist from the US) was Jean Toussaint’s tutor. He also studied under Mark Lockheart, Russell van den Berg and Simon Purcell. Next Beginning, Eagles’ 2014 quartet album was hailed as a promising and engaging debut by Jazzwise (“His deftly steering post-bop inventiveness illuminates”) – John Fordham. He is now a professional saxophonist, composer, and performer, and he displays both natural artistry, and assertiveness. His playing was also praised for his maturity, which helped him to become a well-known sideman on the UK’s music scene. He is also a member Emeka Elendu’s dynamic Afrobeat line-up Kalakuta and has recorded and performed with the Gero Schipmann UK Quartet and Nomad Soul Collective. Eagles is a global phenomenon, drawing international attention in areas such as contemporary jazz, funk, and world music. He has performed and recorded with many artists, including Ant Law, OllieHowell, Fergus Ireland and Nubya Garcia. He has performed at London, Marlborough and Lancaster jazz festivals and at Oldenburg, Barga, Thames, Barga, and Nubya Garcia’s concerts at major UK venues such as The Vortex and Southbank Centre. He is now surrounded by some of British jazz’s most prominent torch bearers, including Ralph Wyld (vibes), Sam Leak (piano), Duncan Eagles [tenor sax], Max Luthert (“double bass”) and Dave Hamblett (“drums”), and has formed an exciting new sextet called Spirit. Their debut album, Ask Seek Knock, which features original material, will be released on Whirlwind in June 2017. Jean Toussaint, who is also guest. The groove-laden album, which is inspired by Eagles’ explorations of spirituality and sacrifice, will be supported by a UK live tour. There are plans to also take it to China and South Korea. The journey continues. from www.samueleagles.co.uk
