SAX APPEAL

"The bravado of this group is breathtaking" - that's how The Wire editor Richard Cook described Sax Appeal in the Sunday Times. Taking five of the finest young jazz saxophonists, "a smart funky rhythm section" and "a clutch of winning arrangements", this eight piece jazz ensemble mix driving swing, haunting ballads and danceable latin/funk to create enjoyable, enthusiastic, award-winning jazz for the new Millennium.

The band were voted 1st in the Post Office British Jazz Awards in the year 2000, in the small band section, consolidating their position as one of the premier bands in the country.
In March 2000 they broadcast their 5th session for BBC Radio, for "Jazz Notes".

Formed in Manchester in 1980 by leader Derek Nash, Sax Appeal went on to win the National Festival Of Music For Youth, "Jazz Combo of the Year" award in 1983, culminating in performances at the Purcell Room, the Royal Albert Hall and on television. Re-formed in London in 1984 the band played regularly all over England. They won a Jazz South touring bursary in 1988, Arts Council funding for an extensive U.K. tour in 1995, and performed in Venezuela, South America, for the British Council in 1996. They have performed on BBC network television, Live TV, Radio 2, Radio 3, Capital Radio, R.T.E. and broadcast live on New Year's Eve 1998 on Radio 3's "Jazz Notes".

The band has recorded four CDs: "Flat Out" JITCD 9503 , "Let's Go" JITCD 9401, "Outside In" JITCD 9606 and "Take No Prisoners-Live" JITCD 0025 all gaining excellent reviews and all released on the rapidly growing independent jazz label Jazzizit records. Also recorded at the Stables, Wavendon is a live video, which features U.S.A. sax star Nelson Rangell as special guest.

The band have performed all over the world from Venezuela to Hartlepool, from Ronnie Scott's to Cardiff Bay, whilst festivals in Europe have included Marciac and Coutances in France, and three repeat bookings at the Cork Jazz Festival in Ireland.

The band were awarded the "John Dankworth Award For Ensemble" in the 1998 B.T. Jazz Awards, plus leader Derek Nash was voted one of the top five UK alto players at the same poll.
In John Dankworth's own words " This award goes to a group which has over the years featured some of the very best players from the seemingly endless pot of talent constantly coming to the boil in British Jazz. Its leader is a fine arranger, a good organiser and a skilled showman as well as being a very presentable soloist himself. He has done a lot for young British Jazz and continues to do so - Derek Nash and his band SAX APPEAL".

 

The Reviews

Time Out
....a team of fine soloists, a solid rhythm section plus a clutch of winning arrangements.

City Limits
Mercurial soloing and tight ensemble workouts from its five strong frontline. Recommended.

B.B.C. Radio 2
Probably one of the finest saxophone bands in the world (Digby Fairweather)

Jazz In ...The East
... a great success, the gig was sold out, and many people had to be turned away.

The Observer
A bravura display of contemporary saxophone styles by a group of leading British players. This is the band that aspiring saxophonists go along to hear, although the experience is often a chastening one. As well as presenting some stupendously accomplished playing, the ten pieces are distinguished by the witty and inventive arrangements of leader Derek Nash.

Jazz News
Sax Appeal astounded me with their power and strong soloists; the band could be one of the biggest jazz/funk bands this country has ever produced.

Jazzin' Around
Derek Nash is not only a superb player, he has a stage presence that enthuses both his audience and his fellow musicians.

The Sunday Times
....... Princes of the Horn in thunderous form....
....the bravado of this band is breathtaking....

The Wire
Big, bold, swinging, Sax Appeal is deservedly on record at last. Highly recommended.

 

The Musicians

Derek Nash
Alto/Soprano Sax - Band leader, composer and arranger, son of B.B.C. Northern Dance Orchestra arranger Pat Nash. At the 2000 British Jazz Awards he was voted one of the top 10 musicians in ALL the following categories, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Miscellaneous Instrument (Baritone Sax) and Composer/Arranger. His solo album "Setting New Standards" was voted one of the Top 10 Best New CD's. He co-leads "Young Lions-Old Tigers", with USA swing maestro Spike Robinson, which released a CD in 2000, and is a member of "Atlantik Ave" with jazz funk star Tony Remy. Major tours with the Bootleg Beatles included performing to the largest indoor audience at Earls Court, and to millions on live T.V. from Glastonbury Festival. He has performed with John Dankworth, Michael Hashim, Dick Morrisey, Barbara Thompson, Ricky Woodard, and as featured soloist with the group "Soul Survivors". He has performed alongside The Crusaders, 10cc and the Average White Band. Derek's solo album "Setting New Standards" features Graham Harvey, Alec Dankworth, Ian Thomas and Clark Tracey.

Mornington Lockett
Tenor Sax - Graduate of the Guildhall of Music. Performed and recorded with the Jim Mullen Quartet, Sarah Jane Morris, Ian Shaw, the Martin Drew Quartet, (as featured on their latest Jazzizit CD: "Got A Match"), Stan Tracey and was a member of the Ronnie Scott Sextet for four years. Mornington is currently working with a new band, recreating Ronnie and Tubby Hayes' 'Jazz Couriers' group from the late 1950s, in partnership with Martin Drew and Nigel Hitchcock. He has also released his own solo album.

Scott Garland
Alto Sax - Trained at the Berklee School Of Music, Boston (Mass). Started with N.Y.J.O., now a top session player. Credits include Vanessa May, Jamiroquai, and Incognito. Has just completed a run with the sell-out show "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the West End. He is a member of the award-winning Pete Cater Big Band and is featured on their C.D. "Playing with Fire".

Gary Plumley
Tenor Sax - Trained at the Guildhall School Of Music. Extensive live work and session credits including Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, the Supremes and the Cure. He is a full time member of Acid Jazz band "Snowboy and the Latin Section" with whom he has toured the world, and has just finished an album with "Terry Callier" which is receiving generous airplay on Jazz F.M..

Bob McKay
Baritone Sax - Trained at the Guildhall and Berklee Schools of Music. Vast live and session credits including Paul McCartney, The Three Degrees, Wall Street Crash and Marti Webb. West End Shows include "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats", plus much work with Graham Kendrick and the Inspiration Choir. He has released two solo albums on flute and is also a member of the Pete Cater Big Band, winners in the 2000 British Jazz Awards.

Steve Hamilton
Piano - Since returning from the Berklee School Of Music in the U.S.A. Steve has been in constant demand by Pete King, Bill Bruford, Tommy Smith, Nelson Rangell and Alan Barnes with whom he has toured and recorded.

Phil Mulford
Bass - N.Y.J.O. graduate, has recorded and toured with Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia, Elkie Brookes, Paul Young, and also has released two albums with the Mulford-Macfarlaine Band.

Mike Bradley
Drums - N.Y.J.O. graduate, recorded and toured with Dick Pearce, the Nigel Clark Band, Nelson Rangell, Jacqui Dankworth and Marion Montgomery. Album credits include Paz and Carol Grimes, plus work with the Ronnie Scott Quintet and Woody Shaw.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Management & Representation
Contact "The Jazzizit Organisation"
Tel 01494 - 447373
FAX 01494 - 891686
For more information contact
Derek Nash 01322 - 557720