As fortunate as virtuoso accordionist Richard Galliano was to have the granddaddy of tango music Astor Piazzola as his musical mentor in his formative years, it is his intensely personal response to Piazzola’s Tango Nuevo that has given his music an unparalleled resonance and depth.
Brighton’s Ben Sarfas is still only 22 yet he’s a certified natural on the violin possessing an assured fluid style that is reminiscent of Shakti legend L Shankar, and has seen him work closely with ex-Brighton based (now Spanish resident) bass virtuoso Franc O’Shea live and on his new album ‘Alkimia’ and a growing rep as a talented sideman live with ex-Lamb singer Lou Rhodes and nu-soul diva Alice Russell.
Arch pianist and composer Tim Richards follows the glowing success of his Spirit Level tribute band with a continuation of his utilising a nine-piece line-up, his new band plays music that incorporates the earth tones of blues and funk, contemporary jazz harmony and the infectiousness of African rhythms.
Drummer, composer and pianist Gary Husband brought all of these strands of his talent together for an amazing project - featuring a stellar cast of international players - under the name Force Majeure.
Founded by drummer Stephen Keogh, (hailing from the Republic Of Ireland), The Urban Jazz Ensemble boasts an international cast of cerebrally advanced composers and virtuoso improvisers.
Prodigiously talented vocalist and pianist Peter Cincotti is mirroring some of Jamie Cullum’s moves but being just 19 and by all accounts a lean mean virtuoso with a sophisticated classical and jazz training, he is an intriguing and entertaining prospect live yet smoother on record with the odd unfettered bebop workout to prove his pianistic skills are genuinely impressive.
Teenage drumming sensation Bradley Webb and his equally young, and equally prodigious cohorts of five string electric bassist Pete Cochrane and keyboardist Sam Beste, are teetering on the edge of greatness, especially after just completing the JAZ scholarship under the tutelage of no less than Herbie Hancock and Christian McBride, with fans ranging from Amy Winehouse to Jamie Cullum and Gilad Atzmon.
Back when these two apposite guitar genius’ of Frisell and Tounkara met at the Barbican two years ago they seemed worlds apart; support act Tounkara’s earthy brilliance sparkled over Frisell’s sleepy aural dreamscapes.
Anyone who heard violinist Omar Punte at the premier of Denys Baptiste’s ‘Let Freedom Ring!’ at the 2005 Cheltenham Jazz Festival will know he has the charisma and chops to lead a band of similar power and talent.