Courtney Pine: A Modern-Day Jazz Story 1986 - 2026
Reflect. Reminisce. A landmark jazz journey celebrated.
No musician embodies the dramatic transformation of the British jazz scene over the past four decades than Courtney Pine CBE. Celebrating four decades at the forefront of British jazz, the groundbreaking saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, returns to the stage with Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story — a powerful retrospective tour.
From his landmark debut Journey to the Urge Within to his Mercury-nominated Modern Day Jazz Stories and deeply personal House of Legends project, Pine has consistently redefined what it means to be a jazz artist in the UK. Blending the spiritual legacy of jazz with the pulse of reggae, soul, hip-hop, and drum & bass, his musical lens tells the deeply personal story of a generation and a nation finding its voice through sound.
This special live show brings together key moments from Pine’s remarkable catalogue, alongside previously unreleased material reimagined with the fire and freedom that have made his performances legendary.
Both a celebration and a reflection, Out of the Ghetto: A Modern Day Jazz Story honours the resilience, creativity, and community that shaped Pine’s journey from London streets to international stages. Expect a night of deep grooves, soaring saxophone, and the unmistakable energy of an artist who continues to push jazz forward while staying true to his roots.
Need to know
Venue: Sage Two Theatre Layout
Price: From £35.80
Stage Times:
7.30pm Doors
8pm – 8.45pm Set One
8.45pm – 9.15pm Interval
9.15pm – 10pm Set Two
Timings are subject to change.
Age: Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Read our policy on bringing bags to the venue.
Presented in partnership with Jazz North East.
About the artist
Courtney Pine CBE led a generation of innovative players who broadened jazz’s reach and connected it with wider audiences.
One of the UK’s leading jazz musicians, he’s released 17 albums. Pine’s also a respected broadcaster, presenting Jazz Crusade on BBC Radio 2 and documentaries for the BBC plus an acclaimed documentary celebrating Nelson Mandela (which he also soundtracked). He was the subject of a prestigious South Bank Show Special.
Pine’s other career highlights include being commissioned by Tate Modern plus joining Herbie Hancock and more for the globally televised UNESCO International Jazz Day concert in Osaka. He’s received an OBE and CBE for services to music, becoming a Professor of Music at the University of Westminster and holds a doctorate from Leeds College of Music.
He’s been recognised at BBC Jazz Awards, MOBO Awards, and nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. He will be featured in a major V&A exhibition The Music is Black, celebrating pioneers of British music in 2026.
Presented in partnership with Jazz North East
This concert is presented in partnership with Jazz North East. Established 1966 as the first ever grant funded jazz organisation, Jazz North East remains the longest running jazz promotional body in the U.K. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne the organisation continues to champion new music from established and emerging musicians, enhancing Tyneside’s thriving arts and cultural scene through live performances, workshops and related events. It’s a great pleasure for Jazz North East to collaborate with Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
