Simon Bates plays the music of Paul Desmond
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The most recognisable saxophone player of all time….?
In conjunction with Loxwood Jazz, we’ll be celebrating the composer of “Take Five”, one of the best-selling jazz standards of all time. Over the years of jazz history Paul Desmond stands out not just for his technical ability but also for the distinctiveness of his sound. Being the man behind the velvety alto sax tones of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Desmond was called ‘one of the most creative figures in modern jazz’ by Down Beat magazine. Unlike the more aggressive styles prevalent in jazz, his smooth, mellow sound has been called ‘not a shout but an intimate conversation’.
Paul Desmond started on clarinet at school before transitioning to the saxophone. When he got together with pianist Dave Brubeck they formed one of the most iconic partnerships in jazz history. An album they co-wrote together for the Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Time Out” became the first jazz album to sell more than one million copies, and it included Paul’s famous composition “Take Five”. This became a jazz standard which you’ll no doubt recognise – it was one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time.
After achieving grade 8 clarinet at the age of 12, our very own saxophonist and host, Simon Bates, delved into the world of the saxophone at 14, securing his first paid gid that same year. Throughout his career as a professional musician, Simon’s well-renowned for his versatility, having shared the stage with many notable musical stars. From Jamie Cullum to Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello to Dizzee Rascal, Van Morrison to David Benoit, Lulu to Chaka Khan, Seal to Alfie Boe, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine to Bill Bruford, Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine to The London Concert Orchestra, and the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band — his musical partnerships have been diverse and extensive.
Simon has been greatly influenced by Paul Desmond’s playing and will be emulating his tones during an evening celebrating his music, interspersed with anecdotes from his life.
Desmond’s respect for Dave Brubeck was so strong that he avoided playing with any other pianist, but as an alternative in his own quartet used a guitarist. Hence joining Simon in what would have been Desmond’s 102nd year, is Dave Warren on Guitar. A fantastic performer, Dave has played with the greatest of the greats from Paul McCartney to Elton John. Also joining us are Dominic Howles (Stacey Kent, Mike Garrick Big Band, Tommy Chase) on Bass and Jeff Lardner (Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Joss Stone) on Drums.
In conjunction with Loxwood Jazz, we’ll be celebrating the composer of “Take Five”, one of the best-selling jazz standards of all time. Over the years of jazz history Paul Desmond stands out not just for his technical ability but also for the distinctiveness of his sound. Being the man behind the velvety alto sax tones of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Desmond was called ‘one of the most creative figures in modern jazz’ by Down Beat magazine. Unlike the more aggressive styles prevalent in jazz, his smooth, mellow sound has been called ‘not a shout but an intimate conversation’.
Paul Desmond started on clarinet at school before transitioning to the saxophone. When he got together with pianist Dave Brubeck they formed one of the most iconic partnerships in jazz history. An album they co-wrote together for the Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Time Out” became the first jazz album to sell more than one million copies, and it included Paul’s famous composition “Take Five”. This became a jazz standard which you’ll no doubt recognise – it was one of the best-selling jazz singles of all time.
After achieving grade 8 clarinet at the age of 12, our very own saxophonist and host, Simon Bates, delved into the world of the saxophone at 14, securing his first paid gid that same year. Throughout his career as a professional musician, Simon’s well-renowned for his versatility, having shared the stage with many notable musical stars. From Jamie Cullum to Kylie Minogue, Elvis Costello to Dizzee Rascal, Van Morrison to David Benoit, Lulu to Chaka Khan, Seal to Alfie Boe, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine to Bill Bruford, Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine to The London Concert Orchestra, and the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band — his musical partnerships have been diverse and extensive.
Simon has been greatly influenced by Paul Desmond’s playing and will be emulating his tones during an evening celebrating his music, interspersed with anecdotes from his life.
Desmond’s respect for Dave Brubeck was so strong that he avoided playing with any other pianist, but as an alternative in his own quartet used a guitarist. Hence joining Simon in what would have been Desmond’s 102nd year, is Dave Warren on Guitar. A fantastic performer, Dave has played with the greatest of the greats from Paul McCartney to Elton John. Also joining us are Dominic Howles (Stacey Kent, Mike Garrick Big Band, Tommy Chase) on Bass and Jeff Lardner (Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Joss Stone) on Drums.
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Where is it happening?
Cranleigh Arts, 1 High Street, GU6 8AS Cranleigh, United Kingdom, Godalming, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherCranleigh Arts
