Wednesday 20 November 2013

Gig Preview: The Cooler presents Martin Speake Trio with Mike Outram and Jeff Williams


On Tuesday 26th November, The Cooler at Sela Bar is proud to present The Martin Speake Trio. The fantastic alto saxophonist has brought together two of his favourite musical collaborators, the long-time New York-based drummer Jeff Williams (Stan Getz, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman) and top UK guitarist Mike Outram (Asaf Sirkis, Tim Whitehead, Gareth Lockrane), in a unique and intimate trio who's sound includes meditative ballads, trance-like grooves, minimalism, jazz standard songs, Arabic-influenced music, heavy metal guitar and more.

This unusual trio of alto saxophone, guitar and drums brings together three musicians who are committed to improvising in the moment and the gig will feature compositions from their new double CD 'Always A First Time', to be released on Martin’s Pumpkin label in early 2013. 


Citing Lee Konitz, Charlie Parker, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Ornette Coleman, Steve Coleman, Rabih Abou Khalil, and Paul Motian as major influences, Martin Speake has developed a personal musical voice that expresses a deep understanding of the history and language of Jazz with an individuality as an improviser, that is intelligent, melodic, cool, complex, direct, beautiful and profound.  Martin is also a committed, inspiring, and sought after jazz educator and currently teaches at the Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, National Youth Jazz Collective and Trinity International Jazz Summer School.

"Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent." Thomas Conrad  Jazz Times

"In a career that has spanned more than 40 years, drummer Jeff Williams has honed a sound that seamlessly blends a sinewy, propulsive rhythmic sense with a masterful appreciation of space and atmosphere." Matthew Miller, The New York City Jazz Record


"There is no musician with such complete control of the sounds coming out of a guitar. Mike Outram plays the sweetest wailing rock guitar in Britain. It’s a sound of great beauty." Seb Scotney, London Jazz


Tickets are available at £9/£7 from Matt Anderson or from behind the bar at Sela. Email matt@matt-anderson.org.uk or call 07807 327144 for more info.


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