Joe Pickering
Saxophonist/Composer/Band-leader
Bio
Joe Pickering is a London based Scottish jazz saxophonist, band-leader and composer. His main specialism is the alto sax, although he also plays tenor and soprano saxophones as well the clarinet. Joe is a recent graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire, where he studied with world-renowned UK saxophonists such as Tony Kofi, Julian Siegel, Mike Williams and Martin Speake. Joe was also a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, with whom he has performed alongside legendary musicians such as Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal and US tenor saxophone maestro Bob Mintzer.
In 2023, Joe was selected as one of the 6 finalists of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician. The performance was broadcasted on Radio Scotland on the 26th of November 2023.
Joe's biggest influences include saxophone icons such as Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Lester Young and Peter King. The bebop era is a massive influence for him, although Joe is keen to find his own way of playing whilst honouring the greats that came before him.