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Alex Merritt Quartet featuring Jeff Williams


Bandleader leader Alex Merritt, along with two other young stalwarts of today's jazz scene - the prodigiously talented pianist John Turville and burgeoning bassist Sam Lasserson - have teamed up with legendary American drummer Jeff Williams to produce a critically acclaimed debut CD, ‘Anatta’.

An impressive graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire’s jazz course, Alex cites early Stan Getz, plus Warne Marsh, Joe Henderson and John Coltrane among his influences. Others include Lennie Tristano, Eubie Blake and Bela Bartok.

Regarded by many critics as a major new talent, pianist John Turville cites the late John Taylor as one of his primary influences, along with Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans, while Sam Lasserson was described by The Observer’s Dave Gelly as an “outstanding” bassist.

Jeff Williams' gently propulsive, sympathetic drumming is an absolute joy to watch, his CV just about matches anyone's, and his wealth of experience is both staggering and very deep - Stan Getz, Lee Konitz, Cedar Walton, John Scofield, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, Art Farmer, Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano. The list goes on.

Collectively, these musicians produce inventive, contemporary sounds that won’t raise the hackles of those with an ear for a well-turned phrase, so expect originals from Alex’s debut album, along with reinterpretations of compositions by Monk, Tristano, Henderson and Blake, among others.

www.alexmerritt.co.uk
www.willfulmusic.com

“This newcomer has his own sound and allows his band to find theirs. It’s a very promising debut.” - John Fordham, The Guardian, on ‘Anatta’.

"Williams has honed a sound that seamlessly blends a sinewy, propulsive rhythmic sense with a masterful appreciation of space and atmosphere." - Matthew Miller, New York City Jazz Record.

Tickets: £14 / £12 Concessions
Jazz Express Offer: Book for any three gigs and get tickets for just £8!
Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm

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