Festival of Jazz part 3

Simon Allen - Saxophone

Simon’s life in jazz began with a stint in The National Youth Jazz Orchestra and after studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Simon was quickly snapped up by UK drumming legend to join his acclaimed quintet. Simon’s work as a jazz player includes work with the Laurence Cottle All Star Big band as well as numerous appearances as a guest soloists and of course work with his own quartets and quintets. In addition, he has recorded and performed with Sir Paul McCartney, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Phil Collins, Jamie Cullum, Beverly Knight and many, many more.

Mike Sturgis - Drums

“I’m not flattering him (Mike Sturgis) when I say that he is the man – quite simply my favourite drummer to play with…his groove is so big and fat and utterly there that is acts like a small planet, pulling your own notes into its centre through some sort of rhythmic gravity.”

(Pete Langman,Slender Threadsp. 77)