Description
Diarra Walcott-Ivanhoe is a pianist and composer based in North London. His compositions are distinct in their beautifully crafted melodies, and wandering harmony inspired by the works of modern jazz artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Gerald Clayton and Joel Ross. Having grown up in London, Diarra was afforded a rich and diverse musical upbringing that exposed him to an array of different genres including jazz, soul, reggae and soca. Having also studied at Goldsmiths and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Diarra is heavily informed by both the classical music and jazz traditions. He aspires to reflect the breadth of his stylistic influences in his introspective compositions, which touch on themes such as loss, remembrance, isolation, and personal and familial connection. As a performer, he has gone on to perform with artists from a wide spectrum of music such as neo-soul band Orchard, R&B singer Liv East, jazz saxophonist Phil Meadows, and Black Midi’s frontman Geordie Greep.