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 four 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.
Most recently, “The Embrace” (2008) displays her rich and sonorous quintet writing, featuring Canadian tenorist Steve Kaldestad, and award-winning flautist Gareth Lockrane.
In early 2009, Kate toured the UK with various carnations of her band, including quintet dates with Stan Sulzmann and Gareth Lockrane, and quartet dates with tenor legend Bobby Wellins (with whom a duo recording is planned), all with her rhythm section team of Jeremy Brown (bass) and Tristan Mailliot (drums).
She has also performed with many of the UK’s leading musicians, including John Etheridge, Anita Wardell, Georgia Mancio, Dave Cliff, Chris Biscoe, Tony Woods, Tim Whitehead, Julian Siegel, Karen Sharpe, and Allison Neale. 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.
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.