LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Courtney Pine + Empirical

This top UK saxophonist (and radio broadcaster) is still going strong after leading the Brit jazz pack for more than 20 years. His biting, Trane-ish tone, spectacular circular breathing and stratospheric chops are still sounding fresh today. Heading back to his roots, he explores his earliest influence of Sidney Bechet and a rich Creole heritage that takes in Carribean, Latin and tango rhythms and melodies. Supporting are Pine's much lauded protegé's Empirical, who celebrate what would have been sax icon Eric Dolphy's 80th birthday.