Friday 27 June 2025
Way Out West presents: Mingus Ah Um!
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus was one of the definitive recordings of 1959, now known as "the year that changed jazz"! Tonight’s programme is a rare opportunity to hear it in the original instrumentation of 3 saxes, trombone, piano, bass and drums, and includes "Fables of Faubus", "Better Git It In Your Soul" and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat"!
Line-up:
Chris Biscoe - saxes
Tony Woods - saxes
Nick Mills - trombone
Nette Robinson - tenor and voice
Kate Williams - piano
Larry Bartley - bass
Gary Willcox - drums
Way Out West (WoW) is a collective of musician/composer/bandleaders based in West London which has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The membership is multi-generational and encompasses a wide range of jazz styles including bebop, swing, fusion and free/improvised. For more information, please go to www.wowjazz.org
Chris Biscoe plays in a wide range of genres including bop, contemporary jazz and free improv. Monk's Music was one of the first LPs he bought, and he is still exploring this music. Recent projects include Music Is - Chris Biscoe plays Mike Westbrook, and The Swipe Trio with Roger Turner and Kazuhisa Uchihasi.
Tony Woods is an acclaimed UK saxophonist who blends jazz, folk, and classical influences into his distinctive sound. With a career spanning over three decades, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his lyrical melodies and inventive improvisations. Woods' music embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation, making him a standout figure in contemporary jazz.
Nick Mills: Endlessly busy, incredibly popular and loved by audiences far and wide, Nick is one of the finest exponents of his beloved instrument ‘The Trombone’. Cited as being the musical instrument that is closest to the human voice in expression and resolve, few master the art as well as he does.
Nette Robinson is a supremely accomplished vocalist who sings every word with sincerity, poise, and crystal-clear annunciation. She is also a fine arranger who has written for both small and large ensembles, including for her ‘Little Big Band ’project. For tonight’s gig, Nette will also be playing tenor saxophone.
Kate Williams has gained a distinctive reputation as both a performer and a composer. She has led various ensembles of her own, including the critically acclaimed Four Plus Three featuring her trio with string quartet. She won the award for best jazz album at the 2020 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for Finding Home (her collaboration with vocalist Georgia Mancio).
Larry Bartley is one of the most sought after bass players on the London jazz scene. He has worked with bands led by Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch and Julian Joseph to name but a few.
Gary Willcox is an established drummer much in demand on the UK scene. He has toured with several jazz stars including Jim Mullen, Stan Sulzmann, Ian Shaw, Iain Ballamy and Polly Gibbons. He also runs his own quartet featuring the music of some of his musical heroes such as Charlie Parker and Wayne Shorter.
www.wowjazz.org
www.facebook.com/wayoutwestjazz
x.com/WayOutWestJazz
