Matt Holborn Quartet
Join London-based jazz violinist Matt Holborn and his quartet playing music from Matt's recent album, "For Stuff" plus choice repertoire from the Great American Songbook! A major figure in jazz from the 1930s onward, Stuff Smith worked with greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, and Ben Webster, and appeared in the iconic 1958 photo, "A Great Day in Harlem". Inspired by Smith's style and legacy, Matt Holborn played violin in musical comedian Bill Bailey's live band, is founding member of the London Django Collective, hosts the Jazz Violin Podcast and is jazz strings workshop leader with Tomorrow’s Warriors. He’s also performed regularly with Kansas Smitty’s, Trio Manouche and similar outfits, touring the UK and beyond. Tonight, along with his terrific quartet, Fraser Urquhart-piano, Simon Read-bass and Joe Dessauer-drums their programme lovingly showcases Smith’s innovative approach to the violin while paying homage to his sense of swing and energy!
“A consummate performer… Holborn blew hot…a marvellous set” Bebop Spoken Here; "This delightful album sheds a little sunlight on a rather neglected patch of jazz" Jazzwise; "Violinist Matt Holborn displays his ability to move around the instrument fluidly whilst speaking fluently in the jazz manouche language...the compositions are intelligent, the standards are well executed and the performances are flawless." London Jazz News; "Holborn’s phrasing and husky sound synonymous with heartbreak and resignation" Jazz Journal