The Alan Wakeman Octet
I first met Alan in his and my early days as members of Bill Ashton's London Youth Jazz Orchestra which became the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. I played in his quartet along with bassist Sam Fendrich and drummer Paul Lytton. What days! Great days and looking back - what a privilege!
Out of the blue in April 2022 I had a call from Alan. An album has been released! BBC broadcasts from late 1969 and 1979.
The album, ℅ Gearbox Records.
https://store.gearboxrecords.com/products/alan-wakeman-cd-pre-order-1
is proving popular and would I play on some gigs to promote and to celebrate these broadcasts. Once again to cut to the chase I said yes and I'm so glad I did.
Here's an album trailer which gives a flavour of the energy / vitality that prevailed in those times.
Out of the blue in April 2022 I had a call from Alan. An album has been released! BBC broadcasts from late 1969 and 1979.
The album, ℅ Gearbox Records.
https://store.gearboxrecords.com/products/alan-wakeman-cd-pre-order-1
is proving popular and would I play on some gigs to promote and to celebrate these broadcasts. Once again to cut to the chase I said yes and I'm so glad I did.
Here's an album trailer which gives a flavour of the energy / vitality that prevailed in those times.
Below - few photos
Photos: John McKenzie
Below
Front row: Henry Lowther (trumpet) Alan Wakeman (saxes / band leader) John Horler (piano)
Middle: Pete Whyman (alto / soprano sax) Asaf Sirkis (drums)
Top: Miguel Gorodi (trumpet) Art Theman (saxes) Paul Nieman (trombone) Arni Somogyi (double bass)
Below
Front row: Henry Lowther (trumpet) Alan Wakeman (saxes / band leader) John Horler (piano)
Middle: Pete Whyman (alto / soprano sax) Asaf Sirkis (drums)
Top: Miguel Gorodi (trumpet) Art Theman (saxes) Paul Nieman (trombone) Arni Somogyi (double bass)
