Tough Tenors & Drumcat
May 28th is going to be a night of heavy-hitting and in-your-face live jazz music.
First up will be Drumcat. Jamie Murray (AKA Drumcat) is a London-based drummer, composer, and bandleader working at the forefront of jazz, fusion, and electronic music. Praised by Rhythm Magazineas a “drummer to watch,” he has performed internationally with leading artists including Robben Ford, Dave Binney, Gary Husband, Donny McCaslin, Binker Golding, Emma Rawicz and many others. A regular presence on the UK jazz scene, he hosts the Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and has appeared at major events such as the UK Drum Show and Europe Drum Show. On bass will be the UK legend, Laurence Cottle and on guitar will be the electrifying Mike Outram.
Brandon Allen & Alex Garnett ‘Celebrating the Tough Tenors’
Saxophonists Brandon Allen and Alex Garnett have been friends and musical sparring partners for over 20 years. From the very beginning, their musical chemistry was unmistakable—and it remains as potent today as ever, with each pushing the other to reach new heights. In this project, they celebrate one of jazz’s great traditions: the ‘Two Tenors’ — or, as they like to call it, the ‘Tough Tenors’. Drawing on both classic and contemporary recordings, Allen and Garnett explore the rich history of saxophone partnerships, reimagining the music through their own distinct voices. Well-known collaborations such as Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray, Johnny Griffin & Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Sonny Stitt & Gene Ammons, and Al Cohn & Zoot Sims form part of the foundation. Alongside these are lesser-known and more contemporary pairings, including David “Fathead” Newman & James Clay, Joe Lovano & Joshua Redman, Seamus Blake & Chris Cheek, and Eric Alexander & Grant Stewart. The result is a high-energy, deeply informed celebration of tenor saxophone dialogue—rooted in tradition, alive in the present, and fueled by decades of shared history. Expect foot tappin’ rhythm and blues, classic hardbop, high energy modal blowouts, contemporary jazz and gorgeous full toned ballads. Joining Brandon and Alex will be the Hammond Organ virtuoso, Ross Stanely and on drums will be the none other than Dave Ingamells.