09/21/08

ANDRA SPARKS - VOCALS  from Coleraine, N Ireland , singer and pianist, Andra has performed in a wide variety of musical settings ranging from orchestras and bass  ensembles to small groups and big bands. Her interest in poetry and lyrics naturally drew her towards the jazz repertoire where she has been particularly influenced by musicians such as Norma Winstone, Kenny Wheeler, Peggy Lee and Shirley Horn. At Banff in 1998 she worked with Hugh Fraser, Kenny Werner, Dave Liebmann and Kenny Wheeler, singing in Wheeler's 'Sweet Sister Suite'. Andra recorded her first album "People We Once Knew" with Nick Weldon, Jeff Clyne, Trevor Tomkins and Iain Dixon in 1999 and her second - "Your Time" - in 2003 with Russell van den Berg on saxes. She is the narrator on Nick Tomalin's story "Molly and the Owl" a project to introduce young people to jazz improvisation. Website www.andrasparks.tripod.com

NICK WELDON - PIANO  Nick has a first class degree in French and Philosophy from Keele university but was introduced to jazz at the age of seven by his stepfather, jazz trumpeter Ron Weldon, and turned professional in 1979. He has played with many visiting Americans such as Johnny Griffin, Sonny Stitt, Harold Land, Eddie Henderson and Dewey Redman. Nick has worked with many well known singers: Carol Kidd, Annie Ross, Jimmie Witherspoon, Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Christine Tobinand Trudy Kerr. He has two trio albums  - 'Lavender's Blue' and 'Live at the Albert' - featuring Andy Clyndert and Paul Clarvis. As well as composing, arranging and song-writing, Nick writes satirical and humorous poetry. He  has his own independent record label Verge. His current passion is playing the double bass. Professor of jazz piano both at the Royal Academy and Trinity College of Music, he is an experienced workshop and music course organiser.

JEFF CLYNE - DOUBLE BASS  Jeff played in 1950s with Tubby Hayes, Stan Tracey, Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes and the Jazz Couriers. In the 60s with avant-garde bands Spontaneous Music Ensemble and Amalgam with John Stevens and Trevor Watts. Recorded 'Under Milk Wood' with Stan Tracey. Worked with Gordon Beck, Ian Carr, Tony Kinsey, John McLaughlin and Tony Oxley. As a member of Nucleus played Newport Jazz Festival and Village Gate in the 70's. Jeff has worked with singers Blossom Dearie, Annie Ross, Norma Winstone and Marion Montgomery and visiting American artists: Lucky Thompson, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Jim Hall, Lockjaw Davis, Tal Farlow and Toots Thielemans. He has recorded with many major musicians. He is an experienced teacher and organiser of music courses and is professor of Bass and Jazz Studies at both the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music.