**CD LAUNCH** PHIL AYRES
Phil first started playing drums in his teens and by the early 80's was performing with various pop bands around South London and the South of England. However, regular visits to the jazz venue The Bulls Head in Barnes led to a kindling of an interest in Jazz and he was soon studying with the legendary UK drummer Kenny Clare. From there he moved on to New York to study with Mike Clark (Headhunters) and Ricky Sebastian (Tania Maria) and on returning to London in the late 80's decided to form his own band "Detente". The line up of the band at that time featured some of the country's leading Jazz and Groove players, including the likes of keyboardist Damon Butcher (The Beautiful South), guitarist Ronnie Johnson (Van Morrison) and pianist Pete Jacobsen (Morrissey-Mullen). The band performed together for some time on the Jazz/Groove circuit before, in the early 90's, everyone went their separate ways. However, in the early 2000's Phil once again reformed the band to record their first album "We Got It Covered" which was universally well received. Unfortunately, for various personal reasons, gigging the band at that time was not possible and so another hiatus for the band ensued. However, the music from the album continued to be played through the 2000's, particularly on Solar Radio, creating a new audience for the group. And so in 2017, on the back of continuing interest in the album, Phil went in to the studios with a (largely) new set of musicians to record "Detente"'s second album "Movin' On" featuring, amongst many others, the iconic UK guitarist Jim Mullen and Average White Band Saxophonist Fred 'Freddie V' Vigdor. Phil will be officially launching the album this evening with a 10 piece line up that includes many of the personnel featured on the album, including bassist Phil Mulford (Lionel Ritchie), who also produced and arranged the CD, Adam Phillips (Cher)-guitar, Ross Stanley (Hamish Stuart)-keyboard, Dave Lewis (Eric Clapton)-sax, Danny Marsden (Ray Gelato)-trumpet, Pete Eckford (Percy Sledge)-percussion, Tracy Graham (Moody Blues), Simon Foster (Flying Pickets)-vocals & Special Guest: Jim Mullen (Morrissey Mullen)-guitar. Plus, I'm told, some Surprise Guests are also due to make an appearance! Quite a lineup. Phil is a very old friend of the Club so we are particularly excited to welcome him to the 606 on the bandstand rather than in the audience! Promises to be quite a night, booking advised.
"Cool Jazz with...added sublime soul" Solar Radio; "Detente's CD 'Movin' On' makes a lasting peace with the listener through disarmingly rock solid grooves. Phil Ayres' tasteful and diplomatic interplay with the band pays thoughtful homage....to the iconic artists represented.....great drumming" Chris Parker (Brecker Brothers); "Phil Ayres gives new meaning to London Soul!" Will Lee (George Benson)
