James Taylor Quartet (+ Skeltr)
James Taylor – hammond organ & vocals Andrew McKinney – bass Pat Illingworth - drums Mark Cox - guitar
James Taylor, one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation, has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for over 25 years; still famed for its upbeat, energetic live shows... with no sign of slowing down. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today.
Taylor’s musical talent has been admired by numerous other acts and The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues and U2 have all featured his distinctive Hammond playing on their albums.
"The best Hammond player this side of the Atlantic" - Craig Charles, BBC6 Funk and Soul Show
"James Taylor keeps it swinging, fun and unpretentious" - Andy Robson, Jazzwise
"Taylor’s organ sound first sears the ears and then goes straight to the feet" - Garry Booth, BBC Music Magazine
"Taylor is one of our finest jazz organists... A musician who has forged his own path... His playing is snappy and crisp…" - David Lands, Jazz Journal
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Skeltr:
Sam Healey – saxophone & electronics Craig Hanson - drums
Skeltr was born to serve the needs of the listening people, offering sound and energy for all to enjoy. Created in Manchester, the band’s music is composed by saxophonist, bandleader and ex-Beats and Pieces front man, Sam Healey.
Completing the duo with drummer Craig Hanson, Skeltr delivers a blow-by-blow account of the emotions we all feel using songs, improvisation and natural improvised communication between drums and saxophone. Their ‘spiritual punk funk’ comes at the audience with sumptuous, technically prolific saxophone solos alongside mysterious samples, synths and loopers for a heart-wrenching and thoughtful cascade of modern and technical soulful funk.
"An electrifying new duo in which Sam Healey’s roaring sax lines soar above Craig Hanson’s drum patterns, electronic soundscapes and samples, manipulated live in the moment: a striking, expansive sound with a buzzing energy at its core." - Steve Mead, Manchester Jazz Festival
Skeltr is a Jazz North Northern Line artist (2017/18).
