Saxophone Summit

Thursday 15th April 8.30 p.m. (doors open 8.00)

An exciting collaborative project led by bassist Michael Janisch, this sextet features two of the UK's most celebrated saxophonists of their generation, Alex Garnett and Nigel Hitchcock (a special treat as he rarely tours in the UK as of late), teamed up with one of the first call tenorists from NYC for the last 20 years, Joel Frahm. On piano is the young and in much demand Ross Stanley, and one of the UK 's leading jazz drummers, Steve Brown. The music centres around arrangements from the classic repertoire of jazz's great saxophone teams from the straightahead school (Stitt/Rollins, Hayes/Scott, Liebman/Lovano/Brecker, plus more), mixed with contemporary arrangements and compositions from each of the band members.

Nigel Hitchcock is one of the most revered UK jazz musicians on the world jazz scene today. A highly gifted and conceptual player with blistering technique, a photographic memory, and perfect pitch, he comfortably plays any genre of music and has enjoyed first call status as in both the jazz and session scenes since the age of 16. He's played with the cream of the British scene, and is arguably the most recorded jazz musician in the UK.

Joel Frahm is highly regarded as one of the most exciting and prominent voices on tenor saxophone in the world today. His flawless technique and engaging improvisations have earned him first call on the New York Jazz scene for over twenty years. He has had long standing musical relationships with Matt Wilson, David Berkman, Maynard Ferguson, The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Larry Goldings, Jane Monheit, and Brad Mehldau.
'Joel Frahm, one of the young band leaders often heard in New York's small jazz clubs, sounds supremely comfortable playing the tenor saxophone.' Ben Ratliff, The New York Times

Alex Garnett has been one of the leading sax men in Europe for nearly two decades, being instantly recognized by his dark and husky sound. A versatile and studied musician, he has enjoyed success as a jazz artist and a session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless recording credits along the way. He is a first call in many of Europe's leading big bands, and many times the tenor of choice for American musicians as a sideman when touring in Europe . His groups have performed at the Blue Note, Birdland, as well as the Perugia, North Sea, Vittoria, Montreux, and Oslo Jazz Festivals.