Gareth Lockrane Big Band, Support: The Ronnie Scotts All Stars Saturday 26th June

WINNER OF BEST JAZZ ALBUM IN 2010 PARLIAMENTARY JAZZ AWARDS!

Making their debut in the 2008 London Jazz Festival and subsequently playing to a packed house at Ronnie Scotts in the 2009 BritJazz Festival,the Gareth Lockrane Big Band is a natural extension of Gareth's other projects, Grooveyard and his septet, whilst at the same time being a fiery and unruly animal in it's own right. Influenced by,among others, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Kenny Wheeler, Jim McNeely, Thad Jones, Basie, Mingus and many more,the band blends heavy grooves and luscious orchestrations to spectacular effect. The band play almost exclusively Gareth's compositions with some contributions from the other fellows in the band as well. In addition to Gareth on flute,piccolo,alto & bass flutes,the lineup features some of the finest musicians in the country -

Sam Mayne,Paul Jones,Josephine Davies,Ben Sommers,Claire McInnerney (saxes/woodwinds)
Craig Wild,Henry Collins,Steve Fishwick,Robbie Robson (trumpets)
Trevor Mires,Mike Feltham,Adrian Fry(trombones) Lewis Edney (bass trombone/tuba)
Mike Outram(guitar) Tom Cawley (piano/organ)
Ryan Trebilcock (bass) Tristan Maillot (drums)

Gareth Lockrane (flute/piccolo/alto flute/bass flute)

"...the formidable Lockrane...a stunning display of sharp-accented runs, earthy whoops and constantly refreshed melodic ideas.” John Fordham, The Guardian

“...next big thing... since leaving the National Youth Jazz Orchestra,in which he was the star soloist, flautist Lockrane has become one of London's busiest freelancers. The lean and hungry Lockrane is the most exciting and inventive instrumentalist in the country.”

Jack Massarick, London Evening Standard

“...Lockrane's flute work is exceptional, combining a relaxed fluidity on the one hand with an acute adventurousness on the other...”

Peter Quinn , Jazzwise

“...there's no doubt who the main attraction is though: Gareth Lockrane wrote all the tunes and takes the lead on most of them. I have to admit that I’I've never been that convinced of the case for the flute as a jazz solo instrument. Lockrane though is a specialist, and his approach has won me over – he’s a fluid and inventive improviser who avoids clichés and produces genuine excitement.....”

Steve Baxter, Jazz views

“...Lockrane is an exceptional soloist with an improvisatory confidence that's quite startling...”

Peter VacherJazzwise

“...the main feature of this cd is that it strongly features the flute, an instrument which has still not achieved a firm foothold in jazz. If the brilliant playing of Gareth Lockrane is anything to go by, that state of affairs may change...” Dave Gelly

The Observer

“..Flute phenomenon!...” Jack Massarick, London Evening Standar

“a new star on his instrument”, Jim Mullen