No one better embodies the dramatic transformation in the British Jazz scene over the past twenty years than Courtney Pine OBE. Transition In Tradition is dedicated to the pioneering soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet, and Pine has woven elements of early New Orleans jazz into the set, along with hard bop, swing and stride piano. The music, characteristically, also includes strong African and Caribbean influences.

Most of Courtney's regular band members - Omar Puente, Alex Wilson, Cameron Pierre, Robert Mitchell - have played for Derby Jazz, so we felt a visit from the man himself was long overdue.

Courtney Pine began his professional career playing saxophone for reggae artists then switched to playing jazz.  He has recorded 11 studio albums and 3 film scores. His radio show for BBC Radio 2 - ' Courtney Pine's Jazz Crusade' is in its 10th series .