A welcome return for this fantastic outfit who, since 1998, have brought together some of the area's top musicians to create their own distinct brand of fast-moving, hard-hitting, foot-tapping contemporary big band jazz. The Horn Factory perform an impressive and extensive range of contemporary big band jazz by composers such as Buddy Rich, Bob Mintzer, Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, Maynard Ferguson, James Morrison, Bobby Shew, Sammy Nestico and Gordon Goodwin, plus arrangements of music normally associated with smaller groups, including Thelonious Monk, Joe Henderson, Chuck Mangione, Chick Corea and Horace Silver. Most of the charts have been composed in the last 15 years, bringing the big band genre right up to date with music that absolutely crackles with energy. They graced our stage twice before, and the audience had a wonderful time on both occasions. The sound of a proper big band is powerful.

An album full of hope and nourishment in the face of hard times." - 4 stars, Record Collector "A highly enjoyable, original and entertaining set of songs her ability as a songwriter really shines on this album. Highly recommended." - Jazz Journal The Sisterhood started on International Women's Day at The Tung Auditorium in Liverpool and The Alexandra Palace Theatre in London. All three singles so far have been 'singles of the week on Jazz FM, and the album was album of the month. The band was interviewed and performed on Women's Hour Radio 4, The Verb Radio 3, and Cerys Matthews Show on Radio 2. Sarah Jane Morris is a singer with an astonishing vocal range. Her thirty-year career, during which she has garnered a loyal and loving international audience, has been wide-ranging, and her rich contralto voice has gone from strength to strength. She has performed with many groups over the years, from rock to soul to African blues, with classical orchestras, a one-hundred-cello ensemble, acoustic guitars and jazz big bands. Her voice, her versatility, and her emotional intelligence the absolute authenticity of feeling that she conveys make her a world-class, compelling performer. It is a joy to see her back at Fleece Jazz, and in such good company. Tony Rémy is Sarah's writing partner, and he is one of the world's most exciting guitar players of any genre. His hard-edged, rhythmically driven approach is enriched with jazz intuition and bluesy soul. His ability to adapt to any style of music sets him apart from many other guitarists and is the principle reason why Tony's name is consistently near the top of the must have list. Just ask Annie Lennox, Jack Bruce, Pee Wee Ellis, Mick Hucknall, Glenn Hughes, Craig David, etc., why they called him, and the answer will always be the same Tony Rémy delivers! With comments from the Guardian like The next British Guitar hero, we can expect a superb performance from Marcus Bonfanti. The Times chimed in with Utterly Spellbinding. Marcus is a blues singer, composer and guitarist. It will be a pleasure to welcome him to Fleece Jazz I love the work of the mighty Henry Thomas. Whether he is backing an international artist, in the pit in the West End, or especially, playing for us at Fleece Jazz, he is a stunningly fine multi-instrument bassist. He has gigged and recorded on countless hit records, TV and film soundtracks. He is also famous for his role as a co-founder of the BBC TV series Rock School. He has the rare expertise of being able to sightread and improvise at an extremely high level.

Having met as teenagers studying at Leeds College of Music in the 1970s, Alan Barnes and David Newton have been performing duets together for over 40 years. They have played on five continents and recorded with giants. Few of their peers could claim to match them for range, technical accomplishment, or versatility. Their degree of proficiency is demonstrated in their latest album 'Tis Autumn, where a set of nine standards thoroughly showcases their empathy, foresight and musical ability. In addition to his work with Barnes, Newton's playing and compositions have been featured on many jazz recordings, numerous TV movies and West End plays. An exquisite soloist and accompanist, he is perhaps best known as an accompanist for Stacey Kent, with whom he recorded and toured for over 10 years. In 2019, he was voted 'Best Jazz Pianist' for the sixteenth time in the British Jazz Awards. Barnes' versatility across alto and baritone saxophone, arranging and clarinet categories has also been recognised multiple times at the British Jazz Awards. He is a popular figure amongst British audiences and has an extensive back catalogue. His remarkable range has led to him working with artists as varied as Freddie Hubbard, Bryan Ferry, Humphrey Lyttleton and Björk. These multi award-winners cover a vast repertoire and play with an empathy that can only come with long experience. The emphasis, as always, is on swinging, accessibility and interplay. Expect a hugely entertaining programme of straight-ahead jazz flawlessly played and interspersed with lots of anecdotes. Whether on alto, baritone or tenor, Barnes melodic sense bypasses the usual scale-running clichés that pepper the playing of lesser bop disciples. Peter Marsh, BBC Music Review. His stylistic range is quite phenomenal, from Dixieland to post-bop and must be attributed in some measure to an insatiable and lifelong appetite for listening to jazz records. He has a wonderful capacity for suggesting a given style without imitating anyone. The ability to inhabit a style in this way, to include it as an active ingredient in one's own playing, is a rare, valuable and largely unrecognized gift. Dave Gelly, Masters of The Jazz Saxophone David Newton is renowned by his distinctive touch at the piano and his playing is a model of elegance, economy and good taste. His introduction to Youre My Thrill is quietly thrilling and his solo on London by Night stunningly eloquent. Elsewhere his accompaniment is second to none. So well does he know Barnes's playing that the two seem to exchange musical ideas at the drop of a hat, and Newton has just the right phrase and harmonic knowhow to support his colleague, and as if returning the compliment Alan Barnes makes sure that he uses the cues from the pianist to the best effect. The pace of this couple of much-garlanded, highly respected masters is relaxed and leisurely, almost sedate. But dont be mistaken. The autumnal atmosphere doesnt mean fireside pipe and slippers. Every note on this album pulses with electricity, vigour, invention and swing. And meaning. Tis Autumn highlights the sophistication, virtuosity, experience and integrity of two forward-looking masters looking backwards. UK Jazz News reviewing Tis Autumn recording

" . . . a quintet with two saxes, bass and guitar with a deeply rock sound, led by a drummer with a boundless energy and who exudes a powerful and lyrical rock/blues, streaked by flamboyant solos from brass and guitar. All this happily flirts with jazz, funk . . . " Thierry Quénum, Jazz Magazine Join us for an electrifying evening that promises to redefine your jazz experience. The Benoit Martiny Band (BMB) are known for their audacious blend of jazz, rock, and psychedelia, drawing inspiration from the avant-garde spirits of Soft Machine, Frank Zappa's Big Band Projects of 1972, the Sun Ra Arkestra and Bitches Brew era Miles Davis. Their compositions, largely the brainchild of Martiny himself, weave together intense jazz improvisations with the raw power of rock and the mystic depths of free jazz, creating a tapestry of sounds that transcend ordinary musical boundaries. Celebrating two decades of innovation, BMB has captivated audiences across continents with their dynamic sound and magnetic performances. Comprised of illustrious musicians from Luxembourg, Holland, and Hungary, the band have collaborated with many other different musicians like the German jazz bass clarinettist Michel Pilz; Rotterdam-based singer/songwriter Mark Lotterman; Japanese jazz trumpeter and free jazz icon Itaru Oki; sound designer and multimedia experimental artist Steve Kaspar. With six albums and two DVDs under their belt, their acclaim includes a nomination for the Dutch Jazz Competition and the prestigious Amersfoort Jazz Talent Award. Their global appeal has taken them from the jazz halls of Europe to the vibrant festivals of Japan and Venezuela, always leaving their mark with profound musical expressions. This promises to be an exploration into the grand, uncharted territories of jazz-rock fusion. Dont miss your chance to experience the revolutionary sounds of the Benoit Martiny Band, where music transcends the traditional and transports you to the extraordinary. "Both horn players were real ear-grabbing improvisers, assisted by the rock solid grounding of the fantastically tight combination of Martiny and Kem." Manchester Jazz Festival review

Greg Abate is one of the most appealing saxophonists on the scene today the result is that he plays music with sweetness and daring. New Jazz Recordings We are delighted to welcome legendary US saxophonist, Greg Abate, to Fleece Jazz together with some of the UK's finest jazz musicians. Greg is based in the USA, a celebrated New England saxophonist and flautist with an assertive style on alto saxophone, rooted in bebop. His fluent and muscular playing encompasses a classic approach to the material in the style of Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley and Phil Woods. As well as his touring work, Greg is also a composer, an arranger, a Grammy-nominated recording artist and an educator of some considerable note, serving as an adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College. He has had an impressively diverse international career: from 1972-74, he played lead alto for the iconic Ray Charles Orchestra, followed by a spell playing tenor sax for the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra. Since then, he has had an outstanding career as a band leader in his own right with more than 24 recordings featuring notable greats such as Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, and Red Rodney. Joining Greg, we are delighted to welcome back the wonderful Jim Watson on piano. With his fabulous technique he is rightly considered to be one of the most talented pianists in the country. He has been featured in a huge variety of bands, including the Jazz/Funk bands Incognito, Brand New Heavies and US3. His jazz bona fides are just as impressive, having worked with Dave OHiggins, Julian Argüelles, Jean Toussaint and Peter King among others. Simon Thorpe is one of the UK's best-known and most versatile jazz bassists, nominated in 2016 and 2017 for a British Jazz Award. He has worked with many of the great UK and US names in jazz, recording and touring with Bobby Wellins, Stacey Kent, Bheki Mseleku, Alan Barnes, Elaine Delmar, Scott Hamilton, Benn Clatworthy and Ray Gelato. He runs several of his own bands and is also known as a composer and arranger. Alfonso Vitale started playing the drums at the age of three and became a regular fixture at local jazz club La Sosta, sitting in with visiting veteran stars like Bobby Watson, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Steve Swallow and others. Soon after moving to the UK, he found a comfortable footing on the London scene before visiting New York which enabled him to hone and extend his skills. This promises to be a special jazz gig for a summer's evening! Abate is not content to rely on stock bebop riffs his work has a feeling of constant invention and creativity. Chicago Tribune Abate's musical style can be seen as a distillation of swing's easy-going vibe and bop'smore animated groove. He has developed a unique voice. METRO San Jose, CA

"An incredible night of music and it is hard to imagine that anything else played last night in London (the opening night of the London Jazz Festival) was comparable. Jazz at its very best! Alan Hayward In a 20-year career James Allsopp has been a featured performer and recording artist for an incredibly diverse range of musicians. He has played in concert and on albums by legendary artists such as The Last Poets, David Axelrod, Dr John and Mulatu Astake, for European jazz luminaries such as Django Bates, Nostalgia 77, Kit Downes and Polar Bear, on more commercial albums by Jamie Cullum and Jorja Smith and as featured soloist in a wide range of compositions by composer Brian Irvine. James's debut album was nominated for BBC Jazz Award for Best Album 2007, and he won the BBC Jazz Award for Innovation 2008. He currently teaches at the Royal College of Music. This is a new project inspired by the music James grew up listening to; a salute to one of his all-time saxophone heroes Stan Getz. James quartet will present an interpretation of some repertoire highlights from the saxophonist's remarkable 45-year career. There is a wealth of top-quality music associated with Stan Getz, from lush ballads and bossa novas to swinging standards and bebop compositions. They have chosen a varied program reflecting this range of material and have interpreted the music respectfully but not reverentially, allowing it to breathe and feel natural for our time. Colin Oxley studied at the Guildhall School, graduating in 1990. In that same year he won Best Soloist in the National Big Band Competition and has gone on to pursue a highly successful musical career. As a long-standing member of Stacey Kent's group, he recorded several albums as well as touring extensively, including appearances at the Montreux and North Sea jazz festivals and residencies in New York and San Francisco. He is currently a member of Steve Fishwick's Quartet, the Dave Newton Quartet, Mark Crooks Quintet, the Back to Basie Orchestra, John Wilson's Orchestra, Steve Kaldestad's Quartet, Simon Thorpe's Swing Band and Eriko Ishihara's Quintet. Colin has also performed with American legends Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Hod OBrien, John Bunch, Houston Person, Warren Vache, Jeff Hamilton and Bob Dorough, as well as many of Britain's top players. Oli Hayhurst studied jazz at the Royal Academy of Music under the legendary Jeff Clyne, graduating in 2000. Since then, he has worked in various bands, including Pharoah Sanders' quartet for all his concerts in Europe from 2012 until 2022. In addition, he has played on over 80 albums with jazz artists, singer-songwriters and world music artists, as well as film soundtracks and music for TV. Dave Storey has established himself as one of the leading drummers and first call sidemen on the London jazz scene. He is well known for big, rolling sound on the drums and his work as a bandleader releasing three albums with his eponymous trio confirming their status as a leading ensemble on the UK's bristling creative jazz scene. Perhaps the most gifted British saxophonist of his generation, not to mention the most adaptable. Underscore music magazine

The great drummer Shelly Manne is often associated with the West Coast school of jazz. He has been considered the quintessential drummer in what was seen as a West Coast movement, though Manne should not be so pigeonholed. In the 1950s, much of what he did could be seen as in the West Coast style: performing in tightly arranged compositions in a cool style, as in his 1953 album The West Coast Sound. Some of the West Coast jazz was experimental several years before the more mainstream avant-garde playing of Cecil Taylor and Ornette Coleman, but Manne could and did play with great musicianship in any genre. You could not pick a better drummer to honour Shelly Manne than Matt Skelton. He is a drummer who is equally at home in modern and vintage jazz styles, and he enjoys a diverse musical career that has already spanned three decades. He has accompanied many leading jazz luminaries such as Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Conte Candoli, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache, Scott Hamilton, John Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers, Gregory Porter, and most recently Georgie Fame. He has recorded and appeared with singers such as Marion Montgomery, Dame Cleo Laine, Claire Martin, and Dame Jessye Norman. Travelling as John Wilson's drummer, he has most recently performed with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Stockholm Philharmonic, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Antwerp Radio Orchestra, and The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 2015, Matt has taught at both The Guildhall School Of Music and for The London College Of Music, University Of West London. Mark Crooks is always a welcome musician at Fleece Jazz. I remember with such pleasure his Artie Shaw evening. He played the part of Artie Shaw in a gala performance in Dublin, which impressed so much that he was then invited to perform a Benny Goodman programme, followed by featuring as clarinet soloist in an all-American band at the Lincoln Center in New York. His playing on clarinet has incredible phrasing and subtle dynamics. He is a Getzian powerhouse on sax. Winner of the Smith-Watkins Trumpet Award (2016), Royal Academy of Music, Jim Davidson is now pursuing a busy and varied freelance career based in London. He has performed with several Classical and Jazz orchestras, including the LSO, the RPO, the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra and the BBC Big Band. He is also a member of the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group, The Patchwork Jazz Orchestra, Jonny Mansfield's Elftet and his band Quintet-a-tete. Leon Greening studied piano at Leeds College of Music and the Guildhall. His extraordinary solos, inspired by the likes of Wynton Kelly and Bud Powell, keep the audience on the edge of their seats and mark him out as one of the finest pianists this country has ever produced. His hard swinging style has made him a favourite on the UK Jazz circuit for well over a decade, and his intense performances have not only encouraged a loyal following but high praise from critics: Leon Greening.epitomises the assured confidence of a new generation. JazzJournal; Listening to Leon Greening's playing is like hearing a history of post-Bop piano..authentic and yet personal echoes of (all the greats)..all the more remarkable for coming from a musician of such youth. Clark Tracey Born in the south west of Ireland and then growing up mostly in Surrey, Conor Chaplin studied at Trinity College of Music in Greenwich under the tutelage of Simon Purcell, Steve Watts, and others. Also formative in his education were the late great composer and educator Martin Read at Alton College in Hampshire and his time as part of Surrey County Youth Jazz Orchestra, based in Woking, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Conor is currently touring mainly with such projects as Marius Neset's 'Happy' Quintet, rising star saxophonist Emma Rawicz, Laura Jurd's Mercury Prize nominated group Dinosaur, and guitarist Tom Ollendorff's trio. Between these regular projects and other one-off occasions he has had the pleasure of touring extensively throughout the UK, North America, Europe and Asia.

One of the most significant events in UK jazz history was the first time Stan Tracey's "Under Milk Wood" suite was heard. It is probably the largest selling UK jazz album. Sixty years on, Stan's son Clark brings us a reprise of this much loved music. We old folks treasure the times that Stan played at Fleece Jazz. We also treasure Clark's times with us, whether as side man or band leader. To have Clark back with such a superb band is a delight. Three generations of Traceys will be represented: Stan's music, Clark's playing and Ben's (with Sharon White) narration and reading from Dylan Thomas' wonderful poems. To say that Clark Tracey is a stalwart of British jazz is to diminish him. He is one of the finest drummers that the UK has ever produced. He is a fine composer, a much sought after side man and a great band leader. He is also a promoter and an educator with a keen interest in young talent. He is, to my mind, the best at hearing and playing the room; his levels are always perfection. Music is in Gareth Williams' blood. He says, My grandfather was a professional singer, mostly in the Welsh language. Williams also sang when he was younger. I was in two school choirs and sang in the church choir four times a week. I think that's where I got my real musical education. Gareth has his own band, and is much in demand for his superb pianism, which we last delighted in his playing; it was in 2023, with Josh Kemp. Simon Allen began his career with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Pendulum Jazz Orchestra, performing alongside the likes of Jazz Stars Art Themen, Gerard Presencer, Jamie Cullum and Peter King. After being a winner in the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz competition and a finalist in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year, he was selected to join UK drummer Clark Tracey's acclaimed Quintet, winning further awards and touring the UK over 7 years. Simon has released an album under his own name, Any Minute Now' by the Simon Allen Quintet, featuring Laurence Cottle, Martin Shaw, Tom Cawley and Mike Bradley. Simon was appointed Head of Jazz at The Purcell School. Andrew Cleyndert has graced our stage many times. As well as being a wonderful bassist, he runs a jazz label and is one of our finest recording, mixing and mastering engineers. He has toured with Stan Tracey, with American piano players Benny Green, Junior Mance,with drumming legend Ed Thigpen, New York saxophonist Jon Gordon, trumpeter Conte Candoli, and guitarists Herb Ellis and Mundel Lowe.