This great six piece band, boasting a 3 horn front line, is quite brilliant! Matt Wates’ swinging, accessible music has been described as “an infectious blend of Jazz Messengers-style bebop and West Coast cool, with some funky rhythm and blues thrown in”. A favourite at festivals, jazz clubs and concert halls throughout Europe,, the music is a wonderfully melodic mix of classic jazz standards and beautifully arranged originals performed by some of the finest players on the scene. “On style, the sextet certainly resembles many of the great small bands of the 50s and 60s, such as those of Horace Silver and Art Blakey. We take inspiration from the past, but we are not trying to replicate it, merely to add in a small way to the music for which we have the deepest respect and love.” – Matt Wates, Alto Saxophonist, Band Leader and Composer Featuring Matt Wates – alto sax, Dave O’Higgins – tenor sax, Martin Shaw – trumpet, Leon Greening – piano, Matt Home – drums, Marianne Windham – bass “In his modest way, Matt Wates is a bit of a phenomenon” – Dave Gelly, Observer Elegant and affectionately crafted…the soloing is very high class” The Guardian