Jeff's UK Quintet features...
Parliamentary award winning guitarist Phil Robson, known for his exceptionally versatile musicianship and compositional excellence in the band Partisans, as well as with Christine Tobin and his own groups, including his latest organ trio, has worked with Jeff in a variety of contexts in the UK and US over the last decade, notably in a quartet featuring Dave Liebman.
Josh Arcoleo, was a 2011 1st class degree graduate of the Royal Academy of music (where he had one to one lessons with Jeff) while also winning a Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship and the Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize, the latter being a recording contract with Edition Records for his debut album Beginnings. In addition to leading his own groups he has toured with artists ranging from Pee Wee Ellis to Joss Stone.
One of the best young saxophonists to emerge in the UK in recent years” –Ian Mann
Pianist Kit Downes composes for and tours with his own group 'Tricko' (in which he plays piano, with Lucy Railton - cello), while also working with 'Wedding Music' (playing church organ, Tom Challenger - saxophone) and a new piano trio 'The Enemy' featuring Petter Eldh (bass) and James Maddren (drums). He also plays and writes for 'Troyka', and collaborates with many other musicians, composers, artists, filmmakers and organisations.
"One of the finest pianists of his generation" - Timeout Magazine
Double bassist Sam Lasserson has worked with Jeff in a number of different ensembles, including those led by Martin Speake, Ethan Iverson and Mike Chillingworth. John Fordham called him “the linchpin” in Jeff’s quintet. Others who regard Sam in the same manner include George Crowley, Emilia Martensson, Julian Arguelles and Jim Hart, to name but a few. Sam also joins Jeff and American saxophonist John O’Gallagher in the group Valence, whose recently released debut CD on Willful Archives was called “An absorbing and thrilling example of the art of the trio” by Ian Mann.
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John O'Gallagher is considered one of the most compelling alto saxophonists and composers at work today on the New York jazz scene. He is known for an innovative style which pushes the boundaries of jazz while rooted in it's tradition. During the past 25 years living in New York he has become known for his projects as a leader, and as a sought after sideman, working with artist such as Joe Henderson, Maria Schnieder, Kenny Wheeler, Billy Hart, Tony Malaby, Jeff Williams, Tom Rainey, Chris Cheek, Ralph Alessi, Rudresh Manhathappa, Mike Formanek, Ben Monder and numerous others.
"Mr. O'Gallagher is an exploratory alto saxophonist with a clear melodic streak" - The New York Times
(John O'Gallagher will replace Phil Robson from March 2016).
