Home Arts Local talent – Xhosa Cole wins BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018.
Handsworth born Xhosa Cole, 22, has been announced as the winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018.
The final was held on Saturday evening (24/11) and broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday, where the saxophonist was named the winner of the prestigious award. For those who missed out on the broadcast can catch highlights on BBC Radio 3.
In the grand final, each musician was tasked with playing a sixteen-minute set, which included at least one piece they had written or arranged themselves. Xhosa played "Moving Ladywood" – an original composition, "I Cover The Waterfront" (Johnny Green) and "Moment's Notice" (John Coltrane).
All contestants were backed by an outstanding band, consisting of Paula Gardiner (bass), Asaf Sirkis (drums), and led by Gwilym Simcock (piano).
Xhosa has played saxophone in the Jazzlines Ensemble, Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra and Midland Youth Jazz Orchestrato amongst others.
While studying in sixth form, Xhosa attended courses with the National Youth Jazz Collective and National Youth Wind Orchestra. He performs and teaches regularly around Birmingham.
The final took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall at London's Southbank Centre, event supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
In addition to the television coverage on BBC Four and iPlayer for 30 days, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting highlights of the final in J to Z – a weekly programme exploring new sounds with classic recordings and exclusive sessions – on Saturday 1st December.
Previous articleCoffee morning to take place in Jewellery Quarter raising awareness for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis during awareness week.