Abstract Sunday
28 May 2006
Borderline; Courtney Pine
Borderline
Film by Kenneth Macpherson, UK 1930, 63 minutes
Accompanied live by Courtney Pine
Programme Notes | Biography
Borderline accompanied by Courtney Pine
© Tate 2006
COURTNEY PINE
No one better embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past fifteen years than Courtney Pine. The saxophonist heads a new generation of exciting and innovative musicians who have chosen to turn their talents to the demanding requirements of jazz music, in all its shapes and forms. Pine's debut album, Journey to the Urge Within in 1987, was the first serious jazz album ever to make the British Top 40, notching up sales to qualify for a silver disc. It was a remarkable achievement in British jazz history and established Courtney Pine as the leading figure in the British jazz scene and an inspiration to many young black musicians. Following his performance at Nelson Mandela’s 80th birthday concert at Wembley in 1988, his numerous albums have received critical acclaim internationally. In addition to his recording career, Pine is a renowned presenter and broadcaster. In 2000 he travelled to South Africa to make a documentary for the BBC on the local musicians whose stories and music revealed a hidden chapter of apartheid. The programme was critically acclaimed and has since been nominated for two media awards in the category of Best Documentary. Pine made his debut as musical director on the Windrush Gala Concert for the BBC and composed and performed the soundtrack to the BBC’s definitive two-part documentary on Nelson Mandela: Mandela – A Living Legend. In recognition of his career to date and his contribution to the black community and jazz music, Pine was awarded an OBE in 2000. He also has been honoured with a Gold Badge Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, a Fellowship to The Leeds College of Music, as well as being awarded a doctorate of music by The University of Westminster and a professor of Music by Thames Valley University.
MUSICAL ENSEMBLE
Robert Mitchell Piano
Darren Taylor Double Bass
Robert Fordjour Drums
Courtney Pine Saxophone
Mandy Drummond Violin
Hazel Correa Violin
Jenny Adejayan Cello
Omar Puente Electric Violin
Steve Reece Front of House Engineer
Schon Emmanuel Monitor Engineer
Restored print of Borderline courtesy British Film Institute
