Friday, 27th January 2006

Dave O'Higgins Quartet

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.00pm Tickets £12 (Friends of PJC £10)

Dave O'Higgins (tenor saxophone), Tom Cawley (piano), Sam Burgess (double-bass), Simon Lee (drums).

Jazz at the Bakehouse is delighted to present for our first concert in 2006, one of the very best saxophonists in the UK together with his superb quartet. Dave O'Higgins has developed into one of the most complete musicians of his generation - not only a fabulous tenor and soprano saxophonist but a great band leader and he is also heavily involved in jazz education. He first appeared at the Club back in 1992 with the Pizza Express All Star Band and also made a great appearance in 2003 with the New York band of vibes ace Joe Locke. Hence, this will be Dave O'Higgins first appearance as leader of his own band at the Club and there is a great anticipation in hearing one of the most dynamic outfits on the scene. Dave has already released six solo albums, with the acclaimed' Beats Working For A Living' recorded in New York with Joey Calderazzo on piano. Also, he has guested on countless recordings featuring the likes of Jim Mullen, Martin Taylor, Jason Robello and Jamie Cullum amongst others. He has also toured/ recorded with such popular bands as US3, Incognito and Ray Charles. Dave O'Higgins brings with him a highly talented rhythm section led by the award winning Tom Cawley on piano. A few quotes sum up the essential Dave O'Higgins.

''The most exciting of our young tenor/soprano modernists" Jazz Magazine International.
"Dazzling post bop tenorist with a magnificent range and dramatic turn of phrase" The Guardian. "A World-Class player" BBC Music Magazine.

Don't miss this fabulous band in the atmospheric Bakehouse - one of the best jazz venues in the UK.

Friday, 24th February 2006

Osian Roberts/Steve Fishwick Quintet

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.000pm Tickets £12 (Friends of PJC £10)

Osian Roberts (tenor saxophone), Steve Fishwick (trumpet), Olivier Slama (piano), Dave Chamberlain (double bass), Steve Brown (drums).

This exciting young BlueNote inspired band, with the classic front line of tenor saxophone and trumpet, make their debut at the Club and have put together a great programme of jazz standards from the pads of Hank Mobley, Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons and for good measure have added in their own compositions, based on the music of the 50's and 60's. Steve Fishwick and Osian Roberts first met as students on the jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music and formed this current band a couple of years ago. Both Steve and Osian are highly regarded on the jazz scene as two of the most talented musicians around and have won several national jazz awards over the past few years. They have got together a very fine group, with the rhythm section led by French pianist Olivier Slama and also featured is drummer Steve Brown, who is a great favourite at the Club. In 2005, the band made their first recording 'Too Much' which has been very well received by the critics.

For all round enjoyment this band is not to be missed.

Friday, 31st March 2006

Simon Spillett Quartet

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.00pm Tickets £12 (Friends of PJC £10)

Simon Spillett (tenor saxophone), John Critchinson (piano), Andy Cleyndert (double bass), Martin Drew (drums).

Simon Spillett is one of the finest musicians to emerge onto the British Jazz scene for over a decade. His playing encompasses superb technique, great tone, melodic invention and a driving, swinging sound that reminds you of the late master of the tenor saxophone, Tubby Hayes. Although still only 31 years old, Simon has already built up a considerable following and as you can see from the quality of the musicians playing with him tonight the Bakehouse will be 'on fire' from the very first number.

The following quote from the respected Jazz Journal International leaves nothing more to be said about our special guest, Simon Spillett..."a considerable talent, this young musician, in my opinion, is the best I have heard live in 25 years. His presentation, in particular, reflects the influence of Tubby Hayes, but he is no clone. No rap, no funk beats, no leaping about, no gimmicky clothes, just excellent straight ahead jazz. He is a natural jazz player with that elusive ingredient to move the audience with the emotion he transmits. Catch him if he has a gig near you, why? Because he's worth it!".