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Guildhall-trained Collins has been making waves on the London jazz scene with his work alongside artists such as Phil Robson, Gilad Atzmon, Michael Garrick, and the aforementioned Tony Kofi. As a longtime member of Dylan Howe’s Quintet, with whom he has released two albums, Collins has caught the ear of some notable jazz critics. The Guardian’s John Fordham, for instance, was suitable impressed with the “flamboyant, bright-toned trumpeter, “ and lists Collin’s composition “Linda Bonita” a “cut above.” Spreading his wings Collins has also branched into the dance world working alongside the likes of Basement Jaxx and Omar. *
"A Trumpeter whose style is a sizzling update of the Morgan/Hubbard approach." MOJO Magazine.
For over a decade, Quentin Collins has established himself as one of Europe's top up-and-coming Jazz/Commercial trumpeters, having worked with a plethora of internationally reknowned artists across many genres. In the commercial sphere some of the artists Quentin has played & recorded with include Basement Jaxx, Craig David, Beverley Knight, Girl's Aloud, Omar, Prince, US3, Hamish Stuart, Eric Robeson, Frank McComb, Terri Walker, Jeff Beck, Lulu, Roy Ayers, 4Hero, Carleen Anderson, Lemar, Braund Reynolds, Jocelyn Brown, Steve Howe & SunlightSquare.
Among the jazz musician's he has worked with are Tony Kofi, Jean Toussaint, Joel Frahm, Jason Rebello, Will Vinson, Roy Hargrove, Kyle Eastwood, Phil Robson, Ingrid Laubrook, Troy Miller, Andrew McCormack, Jim Hart, Renato DAeillo, Andrea Pozza, Cleveland Watkiss, Nick Vayenas, Jonathan Gee, Mark Lockheart, Mornington Lockett, Tim Garland, Norma Winstone & Ray Gelato to name but a few.
In 2007 Quentin released his debut solo album "If Not Now, Then When?" on SunlightSquare Records to much critical acclaim. Jazzwise magazine called it an "Intensely impressive debut" whilst The Guardian said "(Booker) Little's harmonic adventurous & (Alex) Sipiagin's rich tone can both be heard in Collins' sound on this vigorous set." MOJO magazine, who voted the record one of it's top ten jazz albums of 2007 said "superb debut from a trumpeter
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whose style is an update of the Morgan/Hubbard approach." Full reviews can be seen in the "Gallery & Reviews" section.
Quentin's current projects include his work with exciting contemporary group The Transatlantic Collective. As an original member Quentin has toured internationally with them for three years running & recorded on their debut album "Traveling Song" on Woodville Records.
Quentin Also co-leads "Drugstore Cowboy Quartet", a Hammond-organ quartet with tenor sax titan Brandon Allen, being an integral part of the successful Jazz-Dance residency "Jazz On The Road" in London. The band will be recording & releasing their debut album in 2009.
He will also be recording a follow-up quartet record to "If Not Now, Then When?" this year also due for release on Sunlightsquare Records (see links).
Quentin also continues to tour & record internationally as a 1st call session musician with many established & up-and-coming artist including Kyle Eastwood, Craig David, Sonny Jay Mason, Ska Cubano, SunlightSquare & High Frequency Bandwidth. See "Session Musician" section. He is currently on a 32-date UK tour with Girl's Aloud.
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For the past 25 years Steve Gadd has been one of the world’s most acclaimed drummers. His technique is precise and emotionally intense, spending the best part of the 70s honing his skills and forging a new era in studio craft. Gadd’s real skill lies in his diversity; his ability to seamlessly adapt to any musical style, from pop to jazz, R&B to fusion, adding his own unshakeable groove and unique musicality.
Born in Rochester, New York on 9 April 1945, Gadd started playing drums as a child, as well as tap dancing with his brother at a local club. Soon he could be found drumming alongside visiting artists, most notably sitting in with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie at age 11. With his appetite suitably whet, Gadd went on to study music at the Manhattan School, when back home in Rochester he would play with Chuck Mangione. After three years in the army, brushing up on his big band skills, Gadd set off for the Big Apple. He quickly reached the top of the session hierarchy, playing countless dates and wowing all who witnessed Gadd behind his kit. The breadth of his work is truly exceptional. He has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Paul McCartney, Rickie Lee Jones, Carly Simon, Al Jarreau, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Nancy Wilson, Bob James, Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola, George Benson, Carla Bley, Paul Simon, Cick Corea and dozens more.
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By the mid-1970s he was making historic recordings. These include virtuoso outings such as ‘The Leprechaun’ with pianist Chick Corea; ‘Aja’ with Steely Dan; and several cuts with Paul Simon (including ‘Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover’ and ‘Late In The Evening’) – grooves which lent such startling originality to a popular context that they are now forever part of drumming folklore. The impact of these recordings shook drummers worldwide and Steve became the most imitated player of his generation.
As the recording scene diminished over the past decade Steve moved his base back home to Rochester and in recent years has spent more time on the road. He has recently toured the world with Eric Clapton and such luminaries as Paul Simon and James Taylor.
Steve Gadd's official website: www.drstevegadd.com
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It's after midnight and the eerie sounds of Miles Davis' muted trumpet drift from the stereo and into the bedroom of three-year-old Will Lee, from this point on Lee was hooked. Music has always been in Lee’s blood: his father played piano and has also played trumpet and bass violin professionally, while Will's mother sang with big bands. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1952, his parent’s talents led Will on a circuitous route from one instrument to another –torturous piano lessons, a short relationship with violin, French horn and demanding trumpet lessons taught by his father.
Inspired by The Beatles performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, Will then took up drums. By the time he was 12 he had formed his first band in Miami. Playing popular surf tunes characteristic of the 60s, band members earned $9 a night. However, drummers in Miami were a dime a dozen and Will with his diverse talents, shifted to bass, an instrument which offered more opportunities. Quickly becoming a successful bass player, Will was part of a succession of groups including top 40 bands with names like "Chances R" "The Loving Kind" and "Green Cloud."
Formally trained, at the University of Miami, Lee studied French horn for a year and then switched to a bass major. After classes, he worked on bass fundamentals listening and learning from the masters: the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller, The Rascals, Motown and Sly & the Family Stone. Sometimes playing up to six sets a night gigging with local bands, including the innovative horn band called "Goldrush”, Lee’s dedication and passion was ceaseless then and remains undimmed now.
It wasn’t long before Will Lee’s reputation spread throughout the music world, and a whole host of musicians came knocking. Trumpeter Randy Brecker called Will out of class one day and invited him to New York to audition for "Dreams". Once there,
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Will's career really took off and he continued to cut his teeth touring with the likes of B.J.Thomas, Horace Silver, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, The Brecker Brothers, and Herbie Mann. Gaining experience in the commercial field, Will found himself in high demand.
As a bassist and singer, he's recorded with an extensive array of top performers including David Sanborn, Boz Scaggs Diane Schuur, Tom Scott, Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Phoebe Snow, Ronnie Spector, The Spinners, Spyro Gyra, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens and Barbara Streisand, Burt Bacharach, Bee Gees, George Benson, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Ray Charles, Cher, D'angelo, Deodato, Dr. John, Peter Erskine, Donald Fagen, Aretha Franklin, Bob James, Billy Joel, Chaka Khan, Kool And The Gang, Cyndi Lauper, Taj Mahal, Manhattan Transfer, Tania Maria, Dave Matthews, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Nina Simone, Mike Stern, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Weather Report.
Will Lee's official website:
www.willlee.com
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Claudio was just six years old when he asked for Kraftwerk’s futuristic opus, but in fact it was three years earlier that he first started tinkling on the piano, playing incessantly and driving his parents to distraction. Born in Rome on March 6, 1972, Claudio began studying the piano formally at nine years old. His prodigious talent took him to play many clubs in Rome in his teens before he headed to LA to study orchestral composing and arranging at the Grove School of Music.
His move to LA was certainly fortuitous as he began to make his name in the local jazz scene, playing gigs with the top cats and culminating in his first album as a solo artist “After Hours Ritual“ (Sony Music) - with legendary rhythm section John Patitucci and Dave Weckl (Chick Corea's band). His second work “The Spice” is a collaboration with drummer Tom Brechtlein, award winning percussionist Luis Conte and guitar player Paul Jackson Jr., and again John Patitucci.
Claudio’s unique musical style brought him on the stage of several jazz festivals across Europe but also propelled him as a session keyboard player, giving him a chance to explore diverse musical genres by working for artists such as: Bryan Adams, Zucchero, Oscar award winning composer (“Il Postino”) Luis Bacalov, Pino Daniele, Lucio Dalla, Ivan Lins.
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As he moved to London in 2002, in search of new inspiration he got rapidly involved in the production of Electro, Dance and Ambient - which closed the circle of his wide artistic journey, getting him back to his first love for electronic music. Since then Claudio has produced official remixes for: Kyle Minogue, Danii Minogue, Evanescence, Girls Aloud, Shania Twain, Sugarbabes, Lee Ann Rymes, Pet Shop boys, Whitney Houston as well as several original Motown’s tracks including Dusty Springfield and Diana Ross.
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Even though you may not know her name, you may know her face. Do you remember a young girl walking down a street which could be anywhere in the world, sing a song and handing out bottles of a certain soft drink? Well, that young lady is the London based singer, Sharlene Hector. She was lucky enough to star in Coca-Cola’s most successful ad campaign to date, the ‘I Wish’ Campaign, which was also the first campaign created outside the US to be aired in the States.
Sharlene Hector’s impressive CV spans a wide musical spectrum. Influenced by Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, she’s had the honour of performing and recording with greats such as Boy George, The Brand New Heavies, Roy Ayers and Tori Amos to name a few.
For the past few years she has been part of the Basement Jaxx experience providing backing vocals on hits like ‘Do Your Thing’ and ‘Good Luck’ as well as singing lead vocals while touring with them over the States, Japan and Europe.
More recently, She’s had the opportunity of working with Soulful-House outfit Reel People singing lead on their current single ‘The Rain’, which has achieved underground success in the UK.
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Sharlene is also currently working on her solo project but she still finds time to sing backing vocals for new artists such as Corinne Bailey-Rae and established ones like The Gorillaz, as well as write with Bugz In The Attic and Michelle Escoffery, and dance producers Knee Deep.
Sharlene Hector and Basement Jaxx:
www.basementjaxx.co.uk
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Tasita is a singer and songwriter from London who has come a long way from small beginnings. From Performing at church at the tender age of 8 to the present day performing in TV productions for the BBC, ITV, Sky and even on LIVE 8 with MADONNA. She has also performed on Top of the Pops with Girls Aloud, with the London Community Gospel Choir, Singing at the Celebrity wedding of Peter Andre and Jordan, and she has also performed with Citizen K at the Rugby World Cup at the Twickenham Rugby Stadium where she sang Lead Vocal in front of a 60,000 audience.
Tasita’s career has seen her work with various Bands and performing at various sessions and on recordings for many artists and clients. She can be heard performing on various Soul, House, Rock, Electronic and Pop music for various clients. Tasita’s voice is flexible and has blended with many styles of music as can be seen in her recordings over the years.
Tasita has worked with original bands such as the talented soulful band REEL PEOPLE where she was a member for 2 and a half years. Reel People performed at various venues such as Jazz Café, Ronnie Scotts, various Festivals and they also toured Japan and Hong Kong playing at prestigious venues such as the Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival, The Blue Note and Motion Blue Jazz Clubs. Tasita also recorded a track for the last Reel People Album “Seven Ways to Wonder”, the track titled “Anything You Want” was also co-written by Tasita and featured on a HED Kandi Lounge compilation in January 2009.
Currently Tasita can also be found performing as Lead singer for Bah Samba, and the talented Mr Max Sedgley of the Hit song “HAPPY”. Max’s band “Max Sedgley & The Shoots” have been busy touring Europe promoting his album “From the Roots to the Shoots”. Tasita has been singing with the band for more than 2 years now and 2008 has seen Tasita busy recording songs for Max Sedgley’s next album, due out in 2009.
A chance meeting during a Performance in 2003 saw Tasita’s love of house music fulfilled as months later she began collaborating with the successful Soulful House Duo COPYRIGHT PRODUCTIONS, on the Track "Release Yourself" which was released in 2004 and the she also provided the vocal talents on the "Essence of Life" track released in the summer of 2005. Then in 2007 WE CAN RISE was released and was Tasita's biggest release with Copyright, the track has been making waves in Europe. Tasita performed the track in Ibiza at Pacha and toured various countries promoting the track with Copyright. Five years on, May 2008 saw the long awaited release of Copyright’s album “Voices & Visions” which features 2 tracks co-written by Tasita (“Free” and “We Can Rise”) and also includes Tasita’s cover version of the Quentin Harris track “JOY”. Tasita also lent her vocals to many other tracks on the album such as “Warrior Dance” feat Shovell and Voodoo, which shows the diversity of her talent as her vocal is almost unrecognisable performing the vocal in the style of an African warrior princess for these two tribal tracks. Look out for more future releases with Tasita & Copyright!
Tasita has established a firm connection in Japan which began collaborating with the talented Japanese Producer YUKIHIRO FUKUTOMI. Tasita first recorded the track "Let Yourself Be Free" which can be heard on the Inspirations compilation album for Columbia Japan. Followed by recording another song titled “Live Life Again” . Since then her Japanese collaborations have gone from strength to strength. 2007 saw Tasita collaborating with the amazing Japanese Producer Superstar DJ KAWASAKI
January 2008 saw DJ Kawasaki’s 2nd Album release with 2 of Tasita’s songs “YOU CAN MAKE IT” and “ELEVATE YOUR MIND”, “You can Make it” was the title track of the Album. The album sold 18,000 copies in the first week of sale with “YOU CAN MAKE IT” being the main single for which a music Video was recorded (Click on the link) http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo9RMKT8mr4 The hit song also hit No.1 in the Japan iTunes Dance Singles and Dance Album Chart and also No.4 in the iTunes Main Chart!
Tasita toured Japan with DJ Kawasaki performing at the Album Launch Party and at various other events. Whilst working with DJ Kawasaki Tasita has built up a firm relationship with the Producer and the two collaborated again in 2008 for the next release of DJ Kawasaki’s 3rd album. Tasita has recorded new tracks for DJ Kawasaki including a cover version of the huge hit song by Phyllis Hyman “You Know How To Love Me”.
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Tasita continues to build upon her Japanese connections, as she has also been fortunate to perform with the amazing talented Japanese Jazz Outfit KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE. Tasita has toured with the band to Europe, Japan, Singapore and Korea etc playing at various Jazz venues and Festivals including the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, and has now become a member of the band. In 2008 Tasita also performed solo for Kyoto Jazz Massive at the Famous Japanese Fashion Show KOBE COLLECTION .
With such great Japanese connections Tasita has secured an upcoming solo release in Japan on the 26th August 2009, the release is a Compilation of Tasita’s Music titled “Tasita Sings selected by DJ Kawasaki” released by label CCRE. The compilation features songs from Tasita’s catalogue with one new song yet unreleased.
Tasita has turned her voice recently to a new Project, which she named SISTER PEARL where she collaborates with Talented Producer Joey Silvero aka Distant People. The two have been collaborating for the last 18months and have a string of releases to come up for 2009. Some of these releases see Tasita more behind the scenes as a songwriter/producer and providing backing vocals for other singers.
The first track released by the duo was the New SISTER PEARL track BANG THE DRUM which was released by Tribe Records in June 2009. The project sees Tasita donning a new style of vocal in the Afro-House/Calypso style. The Promo release of the track saw the song charge into the Traxsource Top 10 and held a steady pace at No.3 and a week later the track even moved up to the Number 1 slot, and managed to get into the Top 10 Charts of many DJ’s. The song still held a slot in the Top 20 one month after it’s release. Check out the track on Traxsource: http://www.traxsource.com/index.php?act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=34941
Tasita’s dream has always been to record and release and tour her own solo album, this is something she is diligently working on for 2010 so keep your eyes peeled and listen out for news of the album.
Some of Tasita's other credits include:
- Performing Live and recording with the talents of THE FATBACK BAND, Bah Samba and Roy Ayers and Faze Action (“Hypnotic & Keep It Coming”).
- Performing at the Royal Albert Hall Charity Concert for Darfur Backing vocals for: Mick Hutnall, Chrissie Hines, Jocelyn Brown and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, aired live on Smooth FM.
- Backing Vocals for Placebo
Tasita enjoys composing her own material and also collaborates with many other writers & Producers, and would love the opportunity to write for and collaborate with other artists/producers. So please feel free to get in touch.
Tasita feels fortunate and very blessed to have worked with some of the most amazing musicians and vocalists in her career, and also some the nicest people in the industry. She can only Thank God for all her blessings thus far and for those to come and all the opportunities she has had and all the doors that open along her path.
Tasita has too many influences to name them all but here are a few:
Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Randy Crawford, Jocelyn Brown, Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Faith Evans, Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige, Clarke Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, George Duke, The Jones Girls, The Winans, Tremain Hawkins, Vanessa Bell, Ce Ce Peniston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Mica Paris, Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler. Tasita listens to a variety of music including, but not limited to: Funk, Soul, R & B, Garage, Soulful House, Gospel, Pop, Jazz, Classical etc.
www.myspace.com/tasitadmour
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Born in East London to Trinidadian parents, Z-star spent her first eight years traveling throughout Europe and the US with her mother Lisa Yeates aka Schultzi, who in the late 70s enjoyed international success as a top catwalk model. The ensuing ten years were spent in Trinidad whilst her mother engaged in a new career in Hotel and Catering, Z-star christened Michelle Nichol attended St Teresas primary school then went on to St James Secondary Finishing her schooling at the nearby Polytechnic. Spending these formative years in amongst the many travelers who visited the island and her home she was directly exposed to a variety of cultural and musical styles from the South American afro-bossa beats to New Orleans Cajun blues, British Punk and New wave the young musician devoured all things musical.
Z-star has recorded, supported and performed with Terry Callier, Youssu Ndour, Angelique Kidjo, Gary Brooker, Nigel Kennedy, Omar, Keziah Jones, Natacha Atlas, Steve Williamson, Noel Mckoy, Mauro Pagani, Ciccio Morolla the list goes on.
She was invited as a guest vocalist in Nigel Kennedy’s jazz band which went on tour throughout Europe in 2003 and received much praise from the press charismatic, genuine creativity! CLIVE DAVIS The Times MAR 2003. In April 2002, Z-star was amongst the celebrity cast of The Vagina Monologues (Isabella Rossellini, Myeera Syal, Beverley Knight) and together performed the closing song to much applause from the sold out Royal Albert Hall.
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As things naturally unfold Z-star chose to use the name Lady Z as an alias for her dance music collaborations. She is also one half of the soul jazz electro duo SLOW TRAIN SOUL with Danish dance producer Morten Varano (Wagram, Tommy Boy). The duo have had huge success internationally on the underground dance music scene appearing in all the top compilations, Hotel Costes, Buddha Bar, Jazz Diva series and more.
Z-Star's official website:
www.z-star.co.uk
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I was born in Perth, Western Australia. Started playing piano at the age of 10, then played classical guitar for one year before starting the saxophone at age 13. Studied at the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music, majoring in Performance.
Toured around Australia with various bands for a year and a half before relocating to London. Have worked extensively in the jazz, funk, R&B, modern classical and pop genres. I also work as a session musician for commercial music and films! Have performed with Eric Clapton, Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Tony Hadley, Carleen Anderson, Adrian Utley(Porteshead), The BLOCKHEADS, Z Star, Gareth Williams, Guy Barker, Natalie Williams, Laurence Cottle Big Band, Claire Martin, BBC Big Band, Jesse Van Ruller, Stan Tracey, Pete King, Gerard Presencer, Mike Outram, Jim Mullen, Phil Robson, Ronnie Cuber, Lew Soloff, Mark Nightingale, Richie Cole, Reel People, Benjamin Herman, Nigel Hitchcock and others...
I am a regular member of DRUGSTORE COWBOY Quartet (a collaboration with trumpeter Quentin Collins), the Chris Allard Band, the Alex Garnet Sextet, the Clark Tracey Quartet and the Blake Wilner Group. I lead my own projects also. These include the Brandon Allen Organ trio, the Brandon Allen Quartet which plays standards and my original compositions featuring the amazing Tim Lapthorn on piano. My main project that I'm focusing on right now is my Quintet, the Brandon Allen Band...playing my own contemporary and groove toons!!! Have appeared at various festivals around the world including the Womad World Music Festival, Reading Rock Festival, Isle of Wight, Brecon Jazz Festival, The Vittoria and Terassa Jazz Festivals in Spain, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Manly Jazz Festival in Australia, the London Jazz Festival and many jazz festivals throughout Italy. Some major venues played at include: Birdland in Vienna, the Blue Note Jazz Club in Milan, Bennett's Lane in Australia, Pizza Express jazz Club and Ronnie's Scott's in London.
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As well as these projects, I also freelance throughout England and Europe. Have performed throughout Australia, The Phillipines, Singapore, Spain, France, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, Croatia, Austria, Greece, Brussels, Belgium, Italy, Bahrain, Holland and United Arab Emirates. To HEAR TRACKS of Drugstore Cowboy Quartet, go to the JAZZ on THE ROAD site or the DRUGSTORE COWBOY Quartet site...both on my top friends! Recordings: Given Time-Clark Tracey(TTTCDS758), Open spaces-Chris Allard Band(AR-CA10071), Translation-Dylan Howe Quintet(MR1001), Translation 2-Dylan Howe Quintet(MR1002), Tom Richards Orchestra-Smoke and Mirrors(CCD79850), Interloper-Blake Wilner Quartet(ANTJCD4), First Chapter-James Pusey(JP001)
www.myspace.com/brandonsaxophonics
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