606 Club Special - Will Vinson/Tom Cawley 4tet

A former “Young Jazz Musician of the Year” Tom Cawley has gone on to establish himself as one of the country’s leading jazz pianists. His mature playing and fluent technique have made him the pianist of choice for many of the UK's finest musicians, including saxophonist Pete Wareham’s award-winning “Acoustic Ladyland”. His trio, “Curios”, has garnered a string of Awards and plaudits, has appeared on TV's “Culture Show” and was featured on the covers of both Jazz UK and Jazzwise. Though from London, saxophonist Will Vinson moved to New York in 1999, becoming a significant presence on the American contemporary jazz scene and working with artists including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Chris Potter, Mark Turner, Kurt Elling & Grammy-winning Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, with whom Will is currently touring and recording. A player of immense taste, it’s fair to say that Will’s approach to the instrument is elegantly restrained, emphasising melody and nuance over ornate or showy display. His talent is on such a level and such is his stature among his peers that saxophonist Josh Redman, himself one of the most acclaimed and successful American saxophonists working today said, "The first time I heard Will Vinson, I was totally blown away...and each time, I'm even more inspired, humbled, and, quite frankly, terrified." In addition to his formidable reputation as a sideman, Will’s also, along with bassist Orlando le Fleming and guitarist Lage Lund, a member of OWL Trio, whose 2013 debut received rave reviews (“every utterance is gorgeous”, Downbeat). As leader Will has released five recordings, including this year’s "Perfectly Out of Place”, described by All About Jazz as "a marvel of compositional design, textural beauty and musicality". As he no longer lives in the UK his performances at the 606 are a special occasion and the rhythm that will be playing with Tom and Will is very special too, featuring bassist Calum Gourlay (Kit Downes, Sheila Jordan) and drummer James Maddren (Gwilym Simcock, Ivo Neame). World class artistry and an absolute treat for lovers of contemporary jazz.

“Exciting young altoist with a lethal approach to writing and soloing” Time Out London; "Potent, big-toned alto saxophonist... exhilarating, cascading improvisations ...outstanding playing" Jazz Times; “Cawley…excellent, fluid, pianist with a deft touch and a superb improviser’s imagination.” Time Out