John Surman
Latest Albums as Artist
Biography
English saxophonist John Surman is a world-class composer; his large body of work in classical, theatrical, and soundtrack music has extended the boundaries of jazz. Following an eponymous leader debut in 1969, he recorded Where Fortune Smiles with guitarist John McLaughlin (1970) and appeared on the guitarist's Extrapolation. He signed to ECM for 1979's solo Upon Reflection, overdubbing saxes, clarinet, and synthesizer. Following The Adventures of Simon Simon with Jack DeJohnette, he kicked off the '90s with the solo Road to Saint Ives. 1997's Proverbs and Songs showcased Surman playing with a church organ and the Salisbury Festival Chorus. 2000's Coruscating and 2007's The Spaces in Between, showcased the saxophonist with string quartets. 2012's award-winning Saltash Bells marked a return to solo recording, and 2018's Invisible Threads featured a trio with Nelson Ayers and vibist Rob Waring. Surman re-enlisted Waring, alongside guitarist Rob Luft and drummer Thomas Strønen for 2024's acclaimed Words Unspoken. In January 2025, Cuneiform Records released Flashpoints and Undercurrents, an unreleased recording by an all-star tentet from 1969.