Jersey Weekly Feature
Brian White Quartet feature in issue 87 of Jersey Weekly (1st July 2011)
Inside story
Given a platform for free musical expression by the formation of Jerseys only Jazz club, the Brian White Quartet have grown into an exciting and authentic Bebop band with a good following, and a desire to prove that Jazz is much more than just the background music it is so often relegated to here on the Island.
Officially coming together in 2003, the members of what ultimately became known as the Brian White Quartet began meeting to jam with likeminded musicians in the 'shed' of the hugely respected local Tenor Saxophonist Robbie King, who sadly passed away in January 2009. From these sessions, a quintet containing the nucleus of the current line-up as well as the much missed Mr. King took form. Naming themselves 'The Text Messengers' they began to gather momentum playing many Arts Trust and Tourism events such as La Fête dé Noué and Out of the Blue, as well as occasional Jazz Club performances at the Blue Note Bar. ??In 2008, the Radisson Blu Hotel on the Waterfront hired the band for weekly bar/restaurant performances, but sadly Mr. King became ill and unable to play at this time, leaving the band as a four piece comprising of Brian White (Trumpet), Duncan Miller (Keys/Piano), Tim Horsfall (Double Bass) and Chris Sparkes (Drums).
Their sound, being very much 'accessible jazz', yet retaining it's free form authenticity, was beginning to attract some attention, despite being very much tailored to be appropriate to the crowd/venue at this point. ??To the great sadness of all who knew him, Mr. King passed on in 2009, leaving the band, and several younger musicians...including his son Adam, who is in high demand as a Bass player on the London Jazz scene, and Robbie Harvey (Trombone) who regularly plays at the infamous Ronnie Scotts to carry his influence and spirit onwards.??Around this time, the Savoy Hotel and it's manager Roberto, noting the lack of a genuine Jazz club here in Jersey, began looking to it's newly refurbished bar area as an ideal venue for real Jazz, and contacted the band for help, enthused by their rapidly growing reputation. A regular Friday night live jazz session was born. This is where the band really began to 'gel as a unit' in their own words.
The quartet and the venue proved to be the ideal partnership, and as a result both have allowed the other to grow. The band, allowed the freedom to perform to real jazz fans in a dedicated format has helped to establish the bar to become 'the place to go' for Jazz fans both local and visiting. The Hotel has received many guests who found the venue online when searching for Jazz in Jersey, proof positive that the club was a much needed addition and a hole in the market wisely filled.
You can catch these spirited performances for yourself every Friday from 7.30pm until 10.00pm at the Savoy Hotel Bar, it's open to non residents, and you may find a guest musician sitting in with the band, as often happens. Indeed one such guest musician returned a year after his sit in, to do it again, having had so much fun the first time...evidence of the quality of musicianship the band possesses.
The Band
Brian White, trumpet player, learned his instrument through the school system initially, but went on to develop his skills further when serving with The Royal Air Force, where he spent nine years playing in the R.A.F. Band. He cites early Miles Davis music and Lee Morgan, the tragically murdered (on stage during a concert in N.Y.C. In 1979) prolific soloist and composer as his main influences.?
Duncan Miller, pianist, is self taught, and spent the decade before his arrival in Jersey playing in London, at such venues as the 606 club, Pizza Express on Dean St. (a well regarded Jazz venue) and the Bulls Head, another much respected musicians hangout. He is influenced by John Taylor and contemporary British saxophonist Stan Sulzmann.
Tim Horsfall, Double Bass, is from a heavily musical background, with both parents being music teachers, and is a skilled multi-instrumentalist in multiple genres. However his love for Jazz is evident in his playing, and he is also influenced by contemporary British composers and Scottish Tenor Sax player Bobby Wellins.??
Chris Sparkes, Drums, is a veteran on the local music scene, and has been a touring musician with all manner of acts. A drummer with true versatility and dextrous, nuanced playing, he has been keeping time since the 1970's and his experience is an important part of the quartets tight sound.
The Music
The set generally consists of a mixture of Jazz Standards, songs from the Great American Songbook and some original compositions by the band members. The group as a whole are very fond of the record labels Criss Cross and Blue Note, and transcribe and perform much of their output.Bossa and Latin Jazz are incorporated, and the musicianship of each player is allowed to shine through.
?The Band are available for Weddings, Functions and Corporate events. You can view their website at www.bwjazz.co.uk , email Brian on bpwhite01@gmail.co.uk or telephone 07797718893 for booking info and availability. Performances at the Savoy Hotel every Friday, 7.30pm until 10pm, entry is free to all.