Fraser Smith Quintet ft. Nat Steele
Describing himself as ‘a practical scholar’, from an early age Birmingham-born saxophonist Fraser Smith was drawn to the music of the golden age of jazz associated with Kansas City in the 30’s to New York in the 60’s. With a focus on swing and the straight ahead he channels the sound and language of the “big US Tenor men” and for a decade and a half he has built a significant reputation on the UK scene, including work alongside the likes of US artists Harry Allen, Pat O’Leary (Lionel Hampton) and Chuck Redd (Barney Kessel). His last album “TIPTOP!” was universally well received, being streamed 1.3 million times (!) and watch out for his latest album “LIFELINE” due for release very soon. Tonight the quintet will feature Fraser’s special guest, the wonderful Nat Steele on vibes playing what Fraser describes as classic “swingin’ rep, Lionel Hampton and Modern Jazz Quartet type tunes”. This is feel good music performed with style and verve!
"Nonchalantly confident and very hard swinging" London Jazz News; "Original tunes which take the virtues of 50s and 60s hard bop and soul jazz and infuse them with a youthful enthusiasm born of the 21st century." The Jazz Mann; “An All-Star outfit” Jazz FM