“I appreciate musicians that understand that simply being the very best musician you can possibly be is what’s most important, while also understanding that those skills mirror your inner self. Gabriel is an excellent musician and one hell of a nice guy.” – Christian McBride.
Pianist, composer and bandleader Gabriel Latchin has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, praised by critics and world renowned musicians alike. Known for his effortlessly swinging feel, deep repertoire and compelling performances, Jazzwise recently described his playing as “impeccable… the clarity of his lines evoking something of Hank Jones or Tommy Flanagan”.
2019 sees the release of The Moon and I, his second album as leader of the Gabriel Latchin Trio. Featuring a first-call London rhythm section – Dario Di Lecce and Josh Morrison on double bass and drums respectively – the set demonstrates the great strides taken both by Latchin as an individual and the trio as a whole since the release of his 2017 debut record Introducing. Of the number-one-selling CD, Renée Fleming said “Kudos to the Gabriel Latchin Trio for this first release. Elegant, tasteful and swinging!”
Recognised as a talented composer, Latchin’s writing is fresh and original, while reflecting his serious study of the jazz piano tradition – Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Art Tatum, Phineas Newborn and Barry Harris are his idols. On The Moon and I, four Latchin pieces are presented alongside new arrangements of standards and classic jazz compositions. Anticipation for the new recording is high, with pre-orders from Japan before production was even completed.
An in-demand sideman across a range of projects, Christian McBride personally invited Latchin to perform with himself and Renée Fleming at Wigmore Hall. The pianist is also the new musical director for Claire Martin and Ray Gelato’s show, Let There Be Love. A regular performer at London’s premier jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club and the 606, Latchin can be often heard with contemporaries Sara Dowling, Atila, Nat Steele’s ‘Portrait of the MJQ’ and The Steve Fishwick Quartet. He has also performed with Salena Jones, Roy Hargrove, Jason Marsalis, Ronnie Cuber and Grant Stewart.