London-based saxophonist and composer Matt Anderson presents a new quartet featuring four exciting young musicians, all of whom are bandleaders and composers in their own right. The band puts an emphasis on original writing, with arrangements often conceived together as a group, and takes inspiration from sources as wide-ranging as Wayne Shorter, folk music of the British Isles, the European jazz scene and groove/rock music. They have performed to audiences across the UK, and recently represented the Royal Academy of Music as finalists in the Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Originally hailing from the North Yorkshire Moors, Matt released his debut album with his band Wild Flower in 2015 on the Jellymould Jazz label to widespread critical acclaim and airplay on BBC Radio 3 alongside a 13-date UK tour and launch gig at Pizza Express Dean Street, London. Winner of the Dankworth Prize for Jazz Composition 2017, he is popular as a sideman in a variety of projects on the fertile London and Leeds jazz scenes such as the bands of Jamie Taylor (also appearing as a featured soloist on his latest album) and Mark Donlon, performing regularly across the UK and internationally with recent appearances in New Zealand and Scandinavia. In October last year he performed in Greece with Jiannis Pavlidis’ Quintet featuring legendary American jazz drummer Greg Hutchinson.

Pianist Peter Lee is soon to release his highly-anticipated debut album ‘The Velvet Rage’ featuring prominent musicians from the jazz, pop and classical sides of the vibrant London music scene such as Josh Arcoleo (saxophone), Alex Munk (guitar) and the Amika String Quartet. As a sideman, he has toured extensively with projects such as the Alice Zawadzki band at major UK jazz festivals, and his band Narcissus were featured as the Young & Serious Band of 2013 in the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Will Harris’ dynamic and comprehensive approach to the double-bass has put him in high demand in the South-West where he has been based for many years, and after moving to London last year to study at the Royal Academy of Music he is becoming an increasingly popular choice of bassist in the capital as well, with a recent appearance at Ronnie Scott’s with trumpeter Nick Smart. He co-leads the band Moonlight Savings Time with his wife, jazz vocalist Emily Wright, and they released their debut album ‘Meeting at Night’ in 2015 to critical acclaim and an Arts Council England-supported UK tour. As a sideman, he performs in many projects including Andy Hague Quartet, Kevin Figes Quartet, Michelson Morley (alongside Get The Blessing tenorist Jake McMurchie), Karen Street’s Streetworks (alongside Mike Outram) and the Colman Brothers, and he has also shared the stage with Bobby Wellins, Alan Barnes, David Newton, Simon Spillett, Tina May, Anita Wardell, Damon Brown, Ed Jones and LA-based tenorist Benn Clatworthy.

Jay Davis’ sympathetic and highly musical approach to the drums means he is one of the most in-demand young drummers on the London scene, featuring for example as a co-leader of Big Bad Wolf alongside guitarist Rob Luft. He has been the recipient of many awards including a Yamaha Jazz Scholarship, John Scheerer Prize for Drum Kit and the Sir Elton John Prize as well as performing all over the world in a wide variety of settings with artists such as Ian Shaw and Rachel Sermanni.

Quotes (for Matt Anderson’s Wild Flower Sextet)

“Their own unique stamp on Shorter’s very personal repertoire… of a quality that resonates with its inspirational source… Enjoyably un-pretentious.” Selwyn Harris, Jazzwise

“This is sophisticated stuff, with a proper handle on Shorter’s post-bop genius… Everyone plays superbly and the whole set is wholly recommended.” ***** Mark Gilbert, Jazz Journal