JBGB Events present

Mark Crooks - Nat Steele Sextet

the West Coast Style of Stan Getz and Cal Tjader

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Last Show: Sunday 17 th September 2023

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

In response to the fiery bebop of New York in the 40’s, a lighter more relaxed jazz style emerged from the sunshine of California in the 50’s; the West Coast style. No musician typified this better than the warm and relaxed saxophone melodic tones of the great Stan Getz on tenor saxophone. He surrounded himself with other stylish musicians and created partnerships with many jazz greats, no more so than the sound of the vibraphone in the hands of Cal Tjader. This Sunday lunchtime concert at Dean Street captures those sounds and recreates the West Coast style in the capable hands of Mark Crooks – of John Wilson Orchestra and Jazz At The Movies fame on tenor saxophone, with the virtuoso vibraphone of the accomplished. Nat Steele, with their sextet. This group came about when Mark and Nat discovered their shared love of a brilliant album from 1958 – “Stan Getz meets Cal Tjader” featuring jazz standards and Cal originals.

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“A hot performance of cool jazz”

The Hoste of Jazz

“Ginza Samba” is a sprightly example of the West Coast style, with “Crow's Nest" and "Big Bear" providing prime solo vehicles. The lovely waltz number "Liz-Anne" adds some nice contrast to the set, together with fine ballad readings of "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" and "For All We Know."

Mark and Nat have assembled an all-star line-up for this project featuring Colin Oxley - guitar, Matyas Gayer - piano, Jeremy Brown – double bass and legendary UK drummer Mark Taylor.

"Mark Crooks's tenor rises to the challenge  and  Nat Steele ....creative brilliance, a sheer delight"- Sunday Times                    

“Nat Steele is a remarkable young vibraphonist in the Milt Jackson tradition”. Dave Gelly (Observer)

Band Line Up

Mark Crooks (tenor sax)

Nat Steele (vibraphone)

Colin Oxley (guitar)

Matyas Gayer (piano)

Jeremy Brown (double bass)

Mark Taylor (drums)