Phil Ayres

Drummer Phil Ayres first formed his band "Détente" in the late 80's. They performed together for some time on the Jazz/Groove circuit before, in the early 90's, everyone went their separate ways. However, in the early 2000's Phil once again reformed the band to record their first album "We Got It Covered", which was universally well received. Unfortunately, gigging the band at that time was not possible and so another hiatus for the band ensued. However, the music from the album continued to be played through the 2000's, particularly on Solar Radio, creating a new audience for the group. And so in 2017, on the back of continuing interest in the album, Phil went in to the studios with a (largely) new set of musicians to record Detente's second album "Movin' On" featuring, amongst many others, the iconic UK guitarist Jim Mullen and Average White Band Saxophonist Fred 'Freddie V' Vigdor. Tonight will be the third outing of this extraordinary 10-piece line-up (after a successful CD launch this past summer) including many of the personnel featured on the album: Ross Stanley (Hamish Stuart)-keyboard, Dave Lewis (Eric Clapton)-sax, Danny Marsden (Ray Gelato)-trumpet, Pete Eckford (Percy Sledge)-percussion, Tracy Graham (Moody Blues), Simon Foster (Flying Pickets)-vocals & Special Guests: Jim Mullen-guitar and Louise Clare Marshall (Jools Holland) & Noel McCalla (Morrissey Mullen)-vocals. Phil is a very old friend of the Club so we are particularly excited to welcome him to the 606 on the bandstand rather than in the audience. Promises to be quite a night.

"Cool Jazz with...added sublime soul" Solar Radio; "Detente's CD 'Movin' On' makes a lasting peace with the listener through disarmingly rock solid grooves. Phil Ayres' tasteful and diplomatic interplay with the band pays thoughtful homage....to the iconic artists represented.....great drumming" Chris Parker (Brecker Brothers); "Phil Ayres gives new meaning to London Soul!" Will Lee (George Benson)