George Johnson

BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2024 finalist George Johnson presents his quartet — one of the most exciting emerging acts in UK jazz.

Leading on tenor saxophone and composing the music, Johnson steers the band through a wide range of musical territory whilst maintaining an unmistakable connection to the jazz canon. His writing prioritises purposeful collective improvisation with the difference between solo and written sections often blurred.

King David Ike-Elechi (drums), Scottie Thompson (piano) and Zaki Osahn (bass) each bring a distinctive voice and broad experience to the music. The influence of the contemporary New York scene is clear though the band’s UK roots run deep — members having played with Emma Rawicz, Gareth Lockrane, Orphy Robinson, Ivo Neame, Will Sach and many more.

Johnson continues his studies at the Royal Academy of Music under Julian Siegel, Alex Hitchcock and Giacomo Smith, and the quartet are regulars on the London and UK jazz circuit, having played sold-out shows at the Vortex, Next Door Records, Karamel and Notting Hill Arts Club.

With a debut release planned for Autumn 2026, they’re ones to watch…

Line up:

George Johnson – tenor sax

Scottie Thompson – piano

Zaki Osahn – bass

King David Ike-Elechi – drums