Zoe Rahman, described in The Observer “a remarkable pianist by all standards”, has established herself as one the most prominent jazz musicians today. Her style, which is both jazz-infused and influenced by her British/Bengali heritage, as well as her musical tastes, is vibrant and individual. She is well-known for her impressive technique, broad-ranging imagination, and exuberant performance. She has worked most recently with Jerry Dammers’ Spatial AKA Orchestra, George Mraz, Courtney Pine, and Courtney Pine. Zoe was born in Chichester, UK to a Bengali mother and an English father. She studied classical piano at Oxford University, then went on to earn a music degree at Oxford University. Zoe also received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music to study jazz performance, where she worked with JoAnne Brackeen, an inspirational pianist. Zoe was awarded a MOBO award (best Jazz Act 2012), for her fifth album, “Kindred Spirits”, on her Manushi label. This album showcases Zoe’s vibrant and personal style. The album features Zoe’s brother Idris playing clarinet with her trio, as well as Courtney Pine as a guest artist. It has been called a’masterpiece” (Manchester Evening News), “in every way a five-star rating” (ukjazzradio.com), “one of the most important albums of the past couple of years”, (Jazzwise), “a work of astonishing musical imagination” (Metro), and many other accolades. Melting Pot, Zoe’s second album was nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize in 2006. It also won the ‘Jazz Album Of The Year’ award at the UK’s first Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Where Rivers Meet is her fourth album. It features a collaboration with her brother Idris. This album explores music from their Bengali heritage and creates an “original brand of Anglo–Asian music.” (Sunday Times). Zoe has been invited by many international jazz festivals. She has also performed extensively in the UK, as well as internationally, including in Japan, Australia and North Sea Jazz, Sweden, Norway and Italy. Numerous TV and radio programs have featured Zoe and she is often invited to join high-profile panels, such as the Mercury Music Prize, BBC Young Jazz Musician Award, and the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition. She is passionate about music and shares it with musicians of all abilities. She was Artist in Residence for the youth band Jazz Vehicle in Lincoln from 2013-14. From www.zoerahman.com
