Two Sets: Skydive & Alan Rushton

SKYDIVE Named after a Freddie Hubbard tune they played during their first performance, Skydive were brought together for the Chatham Jazz Festival as an all star pickup band and in the tradition of such things, enjoyed themselves so much that they decided to do more gigs together. The band features 606 Club owner and flautist Steve Rubie (Julian Joseph Big Band, Samara), virtuoso trombonist Geoff Mason (Ronnie Scott’s Big Band), leading UK pianist Jonathan Gee (best known for his work with the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Cleveland Watkiss and Tim Whitehead as well as his own excellent trio), star bassist Larry Bartley (Chris Biscoe, Abdullah Ibrahim) and the brilliant drummer Winston Clifford (Courtney Pine, Monty Alexander). Their musical roots stem from mid-60s Hubbard and Hancock, through Brazilian music of the 80’s to their own contemporary compositions. A world-class band.

“[Gee] a performer of flexibility, resourcefulness and technical command to rival any of his generation" The Guardian;
“Steve Rubie…in fine form.” Telegraph

Alan Rushton Alan's drumming has been a feature of the British jazz scene for more than 30 years now. His cv is vast, including stints with 60’s Jazz/Blues icon Graham Bond, Kiki Dee, Ray Russell, Slim Gaillard and a host more, and he was resident drummer on T.V.’s PlayAway (remember that!). The trio he leads tonight features the wonderful playing of pianist John Horler (Cleo Laine) and long time collaborator Mick Hutton (Humphrey Lyttleton) on bass. The music is very much in the swinging, classic, modern jazz mould and well worth hearing.