Ed Jones Quartet

Ed Jones returns to the quartet format with which he first made his name on the UK jazz scene over 25 years ago. Initially inspired by the music of Wayne Shorter this quartet has branched out to feature original new compositions from Jones and bassist Vosloo ably with outstanding support from Ross Stanley on keys and Tim Giles on Drums

Always good to welcome back Birmingham Jazz favourites and this is a band of them. Ed Jones is an award-winning UK jazz saxophonist/composer who has been based in London for over 25 years. He works in the UK and internationally with a wide range of his own projects and collaborations, and has over 70 published works as a composer, and discographic credits on over 150 recordings. He formed his first group “Ed Jones Quartet” in 1987. They were the first band to play at the original Jazz Cafe London. He became a regular performer on the emerging Acid Jazz scene at clubs such as The Wag and Dingwalls, and was signed by Giles Peterson recording his first album “The Homecoming” (Acid Jazz, 1989).

His experience as a sideman reflects his diverse musical interests: He has worked with Free jazz pioneers John Stevens, Evan Parker, US Jazz Legends George Benson, Dr Lonnie Smith, Charles Earland, and Clifford Jarvis. Jazz Crossover projects such as Incognito and Us3, Terry Callier and Nostalgia 77, through to R’n’B legends such as D’Angelo, Bootsy Collins, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Carlene Anderson, Noel Mccoy and Omar.

 During the 1990’s he formed new groups, toured the UK and Europe and recorded a further three critically acclaimed solo albums ”Pipers Tales” (ASC, 1995).”Out Here” (ASC, 1997). “Seven Moments” (ASC 2002). His fifth album “A view from the…” was released in spring 2004. This was a Hip/Hop/Beats/ Big Band collaboration with US3 programmer/producer Geoff Wilkinson.

In 2005 he formed Killer Shrimp (co-led) with Trumpeter Damon Brown. The group recorded the highly acclaimed Sincerely Whatever (33 records) in 2006 mixing dance genres and electronica with acoustic jazz. The CD was top of many critics best of list that year and was nominated for Jazz CD of the year 2007 parliamentary jazz awards. The group were awarded Best Jazz Ensemble 2007 at the same awards, and in 2010 released their follow up album “Whatever Sincerely” (Tales from the Baltic Wharf).

£12.50/£10 Members/Students £5

Ed Jones tenor/soprano saxes, Ross Stanley piano, Riaan Vosloo double bass, Tim Giles drums