John Stowell- guitar, Jamie Taylor- guitar, Jeremy Brown- double bass, Dave Walsh- drums

A real treat for guitar lovers as Leeds Conservatoire’s Jamie Taylor puts together a special quartet with three of his favourite musicians from either side of the Atlantic as he teams up with John Stowell, visiting from the US and without doubt one of the most original jazz guitarists of his generation. Described by Larry Coryell as a “master creator” John was twice recipient of the Downbeat International Critics’ Award and has played alongside jazz greats, including guitar legend Herb Ellis. Expect a programme of standards and jazz tunes, including familiar classics alongside some lesser-known gems from the great composers.

John Stowell has his own unique style and continues to delight audiences around the world having toured regularly in various duos and trios throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and several times during the 90s Russia . His recording/performance credits include Jazz greats Milt Jackson, Art Farmer, Billy Hart, and David Liebman amongst many others. Influenced as much by pianists and horn players as guitarists, Stowell’s approach to the instrument is entirely his own, making this appearance at JazzLeeds a must-see gig.  www.johnstowell.com.

“He can make an electric guitar sound like a singing voice” – Nat Hentoff
“More guitarists would play like John Stowell if they knew how” – Herb Ellis
“John Stowell plays jazz, but he doesn’t use any of the clichés; he has an incredible originality” – Larry Coryell

Jamie Taylor A highly respected guitarist on the UK jazz scene, Jamie has worked all over the country with many leading musicians, such as Sheryl Bailey, Baptiste Herbin, John Goldsby, Steve Fishwick, Wayne Escoffery, Dave O’Higgins, and Sebastiaan DeKrom. A regular at London venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and The Troubadour, he is also a Principal Lecturer in jazz guitar on the long-established degree programme at Leeds Conservatoire and, along with John, an online instructor for the US website Mike’s Masterclasses.

“Taylor’s edgy guitar burns through…” – John Fordham, The Guardian
“An uncanny ability…always grooving.” – Matt Warnock, Just Jazz Guitar

Jeremy Brown, one of the UK’s finest double bassists needs no introduction to the Sheffield Jazz audience. Besides being a long-time member of groups led by Peter King and Stacey Kent, Jeremy has been heard with a long list of luminaries including Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Peter Bernstein, and Charles MacPherson. He is also a tutor at the Royal Academy of Music.  https://www.ram.ac.uk/people/jeremy-brown

Dave Walsh is also a Principal Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire and a very widely-admired drummer across a range of musical styles. He has played with many top jazz musicians, with collaborators as diverse as Stuart MacCallum, Graham Massey (808 State) and Brit-award winning singer-songwriter Tom McRae.