The Junior Academy Jazz course from the Royal Academy of Music has been a major force in developing the next generation of jazz musicians since the inception of the course in 2003. Returning to the Pizza Express for their now annual summer concert, this will be a great chance to hear some truly incredible and dynamic young jazz musicians in three different groups, led by course directors Gareth Lockrane and Simon Colam and featuring as a special guest the legendary saxophonist Alex Garnett.
Alex Garnett has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over two decades, being instantly recognized by his dark, husky sound. A versatile musician and first call sideman, he has enjoyed success as both a jazz artist, composer and arranger, and an in demand session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless recording credits along the way.
A ubiquitous performer with many of Europe’s leading bands from underground to pop, he’s a regular sideman of choice for many visiting American artists when touring in Europe, and has performed in over 30 countries worldwide appearing at such venues as the Blue Note, Birdland, as well as the Perugia, North Sea, Vittoria, Montreax, and Oslo Jazz Festivals to name but a few, with varied and diverse artists across the spectrum such as Sir John Dankworth, Wynton Marsalis, Pete King, Humphrey Littleton, Scott Hamilton, Van Morrison, Evan Parker and The Rolling Stones, as well as with his contemporaries Gareth Lockrane, Seamus Blake, Phil Robson, Michael Janisch, Joel Frahm, and more.
Although Alex has accumulated one of the most impressive biographies of any saxophonist in Europe of his generation, he did not release his own solo album until the age of 40 in September of 2011. Recorded in NYC at Systems Two Studios, Garnett’s debut album Serpent features drummer Willie Jones III, Anthony Wonsey on piano, and bassist Michael Janisch, while showcasing eight original compositions from the leader. The album proved to be one of the most anticipated debuts for years in the UK, winning universal acclaim by press, fans and musicians alike.
As of late Garnett can be seen at his weekly late-night residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho every Monday and Tuesday while not touring, and released his second album with his new band ‘Bunch of Five’ in January of 2015. Titled Andromeda, it features long time musical associate and fellow tenor saxophonist Tim Armacost, pianist Liam Noble, bassist Michael Janisch and drummer James Maddren.
The three groups will be featuring the following terrific young musicians:
Hugh Bowman, Jack Williams, Tamilore Awosile, Madeleine Coombs, Tom Waters, Benji Sandler, Luke Montgomery, Henry Walcott, Harry Brown, Alex Kingston, Theo Hayles, Matthew Cook (saxes)
Ife Ogunjobi, Elias Atkinson, Brinley Heywood, Joshua Short, Gabriel Taylor (trumpets)
Dan Higham, Harvey Tongs (trombone)
Fenella Gent (vocals)
Noah Stoneman, Cody Moss, Hadyn Davies (piano)
Solomon Grimshaw, Ben Mindlin, Miles Mindlin (guitar)
Sawyer Adler, Kielan Sheard, Toby Yapp, John Jones (bass)
Jack Thomas, Anmol Mohara, Stanley Wickham (drums)
Bands led by Gareth Lockrane, Simon Colam
Special guest - ALEX GARNETT (tenor sax)
