New Focus Duo: The Classical Connection

Saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and pianist Euan Stevenson’s New Focus is one of the most appealing groups to appear on the Scottish jazz scene in recent years.

Originally conceived as a 50th anniversary tribute to saxophone master Stan Getz’s 1961 orchestral album, Focus, Wiszniewski and Stevenson’s group has developed a style of its own that incorporates classical and folk as well as jazz influences.

They have appeared in prestigious events including BBC Radio 3’s 70th anniversary celebrations at the South Bank in London and played at the world famous Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in Soho and at Celtic Connections in Glasgow.

The Classical Connection explores the classically trained Stevenson’s musical roots and celebrates a family background that includes the famous film soundtrack conductor Muir Mathieson and composer Cedric Thorpe Davie, who studied with Vaughan Williams and Kodaly, while also highlighting the outstanding musicianship of Wiszniewski, one of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s star soloists and winner of the Best Instrumentalist title at the Scottish Jazz Awards 2017.