London-based trombonist, composer and bandleader Christ-Stéphane Boizi makes a striking debut with As The Spirit Leads, released on Banger Factory Records. An album of deep spirituality and fearless musicality, it showcases Boizi’s distinctive compositional voice. His arrival is championed by label boss and leading UK jazz figure Mark Kavuma, whose Banger Factory Records has become a trusted home for exceptional new talent.
As The Spirit Leads is a collection of original compositions rooted in Boizi’s gospel upbringing and the bedrock of his faith. Drawing further inspiration from his family, his community of young players and deep love and respect for the jazz tradition, it captures his boundless creative curiosity and sense of musical adventure. “When I was thinking about what I use as inspiration for everything I write, nothing really spoke more to me than my faith” says Christ-Stéphane, “I wanted to show everyone in their best light – the band, my mentors, my influences, everything that came together to make this music shine.” On As The Spirit Leads, music simply leaps from the grooves with energy, commitment and passion. Featuring an exceptional ensemble of emerging and established talents, it showcases Boizi’s ability to unite musicians around a shared sense of purpose, trust and creativity. Saxophonists Lauren Breen and Jacob Wilson join Kezia Abuoma on piano and the bass and drum team of Tom Sheen and Sacha Harlan. Established young maestros Jonny Mansfield on vibes and Ruben Fox on tenor sax complete the line-up bringing Christ-Stéphane’s strikingly assured compositions to life, blending the classic acoustic jazz tradition with the cutting edge of New York innovation and the power and simplicity of church music. This is our Chosen One.
BELOW: One Jazz loves this record so much that we’ve made it the focus of our first ever The Chosen One Special Edition – an hour long interview with Christ-Stéphane talking about his new release. The show is hosted by young host, producer and DJ Harry Fellows. AND Christ-Stéphane gets to host his own One Jazz show too, The Spirit Leads, playing some of the gospel jazz that has influenced him.