New Jazz Duo Albums & Live Performances

0:00On March 14th, Jazz fans are buzzing about two exciting new duo albums, stripping things down to just Sachs and Piano. Tim Garland and Jeffrey Kieser just launched Mezzo at Keynes Place in London, spotlighting Garland's rare Mezzo soprano saxophone, a niche instrument, revived after nearly a century. Meanwhile, Rising Star Donovan Halfner teams up with Alex Ho for their debut duo record, full of intense melodies and fresh takes on standards. The Mezzo album kicks off with Chick Korea's upbeat La Fiesta, and includes nons to Sate, Cole Porter and Ralph Towner, all brought alive through the duo's tight interplay. Live, it was even better, with Garland pushing the sax's limits and Kieser grinning through spontaneous solos. Halfner and Ho, both tomorrow's Warriors alumni, deliver yearning tracks like Dusk over dystopia on alto sax, hitting bandcamp by months end. Listeners and pros are raving, with Viverphone as Gary Burton calling Garland and Kieser, possibly the best Jazz duo he's heard.

1:04Halfner snag Jazz Newcomer of the year for 2025, and a breakthrough act nod at the Jazz FM awards. Seeing these acts live highlights Jazz's magic and improvisation and chemistry. Beyond the duos, tomorrow's Warriors name 12 new patrons like Femi Kaleaso and Robert Elms to nurture Young Talent. Gary Crosby leads a Miles Davis second grade quintet tribute at the Vortex on March 21st, featuring Denise Baptiste and Andrew McCormick. Catch Garland and Kieser at Ronnie Scots on October 8th, Halfner Solo with his band Epita Express Soho on May 1st, or check sites like. TomorrowZorriers.org, for more gigs keeping London's Jazz scene thriving.