Larry Bartley & Just Us + Alan Rushton Trio

8:00PM LARRY BARTLEY & “JUST US” Larry is a leading light of the contemporary jazz scene and one of the most sought after double bass players around. He has performed with the some of the finest musicians on the UK jazz scene, including the likes of Courtney Pine, Denys Baptiste, Byron Wallen, Julian Joseph and Soweto Kinch. His deep commitment to the music combined with an unerring sense of musicality and impressive skills have earned him both respect and recognition from a wide range of artists. A well as a performer Larry is also a respected composer and arranger, his debut album “Along This Way” (featuring his own writing and arranging), was nominated for Best New Work in the 2003 BBC Jazz Awards, and he is also a MOBO Award nominee (2013) for his work with the band “Lineage”. This evening Larry will be appearing with a stellar band line up in the form of two award-winning saxophonists Tony Kofi and Ed Jones who, along with US expatriate drummer Rod Youngs complete the quartet. They will be featuring songs from their latest album “Beauty in the Hideous” that was launched in early 2014 to significant acclaim. A brilliant line up of some of the finest jazz musicians currently working in Europe.

“Bartley’s downbeat bittersweet themes evolve into dense, constantly evolving textures that resonate with emotional complexity. [His] work gives new insight to a much visited theme.” Financial Times; “There are pieces that unfold over a groove, some languid, some snappy, plenty of solos from the horns. And always there is Bartley’s bass, with a deliciously dark, thick timbre, think Wilbur Ware or Jimmy Garrison. Do seek it out.” LondonJazzNews;

“Bartley’s thoughtful compositions provide a fertile breeding ground for the quartet’s improvisations. Beauty in the Hideous is one of the most satisfying albums I’ve heard all year.” TheJazzMann;

“Tony Kofi…passionate…superb…heartfelt” Guardian;

“Ed Jones....a formidable saxophonist” Jazz UK

9:45PM 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 on bass. The music is very much in the swinging, classic, modern jazz mould and well worth hearing.

"Horler...lyrical, deceptively muscular….solo virtuosity” Jazz Journal