Jazz pianist/composer Kate Williams was born in London into a musical family (her father is the guitarist John Williams, her mother a classical pianist). A recipient of the John Dankworth Award For Talent Deserving Wider Recognition, she has gained a distinctive reputation as both a writer and performer.
She has released several CDs, each one to critical acclaim. Her trio CD “Scenes And Dreams” (2005) was rated in the top ten jazz albums that year by Mojo magazine.
Her quintet recording “The Embrace” (2008) displayed her rich and sonorous writing, and featured Canadian tenorist Steve Kaldestad, and award-winning flautist Gareth Lockrane.
In 2011, she recorded with her new septet featuring Gareth Lockrane, Steve Fishwick, Ben Somers, Julian Siegel, Jeremy Brown, Oli Hayhurst, and Tristan Mailliot. 'Made Up' was released in October 2011, and was ranked 7th in Mojo's top jazz albums of 2011. The septet was nominated for a Parliamentary Jazz Award in March 2012.
She has also performed with many of the UK’s leading musicians, including Stan Sulzmann, Nikki Iles, John Etheridge, Anita Wardell, Georgia Mancio, Dave Cliff, Tony Woods, Tim Whitehead, Julian Siegel, Karen Sharpe, Allison Neale, and is a member of Chris Biscoe's Mingus Moves. She also performs regularly with Bobby Wellins, and their duo CD is due for release in spring 2012. Kate currently teaches on the jazz degree course at Middlesex University.
Gareth Lockrane (flutes) co-founded the band ‘Grooveyard’ with saxophonist Alex Garnett, releasing the critically acclaimed CD ‘Put The Cat Out’. The group went on to win the Best European Jazz Group award at the 2003 Granada Jazz Festival.Gareth has also performed with The James Taylor Quartet, Hans Koller Big Band, Anita Wardell, The Urban Jazz Quintet (with Pete King), and and worked with the late Bheki Mseleku. He also has his own septet, and recently formed the Gareth Lockrane Big Band.
“...Lockrane's flute work is exceptional, combining a relaxed fluidity on the one hand with an acute adventurousness on the other...”
Peter Quinn
Jazzwise.
“the formidable Lockrane...a stunning display of sharp-accented runs, earthy whoops and constantly refreshed melodic ideas.”
John Fordham,The Guardian.
Oli Hayhurst (double bass) studied at the Royal Academy Of Music in 1995 and has since worked in a wide range of musical fields. He was a founder member of Gilad Atzmon's Orient House Ensemble, played in Tim Whitehad's quartet from 2002 - 2009, featured on Zoe Rahman's Mercury nominated album 'Melting Pot', and played on Sam Crockatt's award-winning album 'Howeird'.
"...but it was actually the wiry strength of Hayhurst's bass solos that were the real highlight." Ivan Hewett, Daily Telegraph
Jeremy Brown (double bass) has worked with numerous musicians and ensembles including Pete King Quartet, Julian Joseph, Urban Jazz Quintet, Brad Meldhau, Art Farmer, Mark Turner, Anita Wardell, Curtis Stigers, Phil Woods, Johnny Griffin, Louis Stewart, Benn Clatworthy, BBC Big Band, John Wilson Orchestra, and Stacey Kent.
"...deftly supportive bassist and one of the most sought-after bass men in the country" John Fordham, The Guardian
Tristan Mailliot (drums) has worked with leading UK and international artists including Art Farmer, Jim Hall, Claire Martin, Peter King, Stan Tracey, Tina May, Nikki Iles, Anita Wardell, Jim Mullen, and the Gareth Lockrane Big Band.
He is currently working with the Christian Brewer Quintet, John Critchinson Quartet, and Gareth Williams Trio. Tris also runs the annual Loire Jazz summer school in France as well as courses in London.