Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade & special guest Ravi Coltrane - Legacy of Wayne Shorter

We close Leuven Jazz 2025 on a high note, with a fabulous quartet paying tribute to Wayne Shorter (1933-2023).

Among the most intensely admired composers in jazz, Wayne Shorter is a true legend whose career stretched over half a century. The golden era of this saxophonist’s extraordinary musical journey was marked by the formation of his quartet with Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade, who went forth to confound all preconceptions of jazz in a prolific 24-years of concerts and Grammy Award winning recordings. Shorter’s great musical legacy lives on through this kindred trio, as they take to zero gravity – a shared fearlessness espoused by their mentor and Zen guru.

Critically acclaimed Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer, Ravi Coltrane rounds out this inspired exploration of the unknown - following a hugely successful series of concerts celebrating the symphonic works of Shorter.

Performing their own interpretations of Shorter’s compositions, this quartet seeks to honor his pivotal contributions to jazz.

AFTERSHOW: Alex Koo Trio – Blame It on My Chromosomes

Pianist and composer Alex Koo was already praised as “stunningly original” by the renowned Downbeat Jazz Magazine. He is known for creating music that transcends genre boundaries, blending jazz, indie, contemporary classical and film music with innovative freedom. As the famous German Jazzthetik magazine put it: “Alex Koo defies categorization.”

Koo began his musical journey as a classical piano prodigy at the age of five. In his teens, he developed a passion for jazz and improvisation, earning praise from jazz legends such as Kurt Elling, Kenny Werner and Brad Mehldau. He has even been described as “of the same rare high level as Keith Jarrett” (Trouw). His 2019 album, Appleblueseagreen, featuring Mark Turner and Ralph Alessi, was also included in Downbeat’s Best Albums of the Year.

On 7 February 2025, his new trio record Blame It on My Chromosomes will be released on W.E.R.F. records, featuring ten unique and personal tracks. With Dré Pallemaerts on drums and Lennart Heyndels on bass, his Trio is synonymous with daring interplay and musical fireworks – considered by many to be ‘the best in Belgian jazz’. For this album, Koo also collaborated with internationally acclaimed trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, who plays on two tracks. A must-hear!

Press

On Alex Koo

• “Belgium is too small for pianist Alex Koo” (De Tijd)
• “Stunningly original” (Downbeat Jazz Magazine)
• “Fabulous technique, sounding downright genius at times’ (London Jazz News)

More info

with Danilo Pérez (piano), John Patitucci (double bass), Brian Blade (drums) and Ravi Coltrane (saxophone)
Alex Koo trio: Alex Koo (piano), Dré Pallemaerts (drums) and Lennart Heyndels (double bass)