The Clare Hirst Latin-Jazz Quartet

The Clare Hirst Latin-Jazz Quartet

The Clare Hirst Latin-Jazz Quartet Clare was born in Cumbria and studied piano and clarinet until managing to get hold of a saxophone. She moved to York and then to Leeds before eventually making it to London where a successful career in pop music ensued. Having written and played on many recordings with artists such as David Bowie,The Communards, Mica Paris, Maxi Priest and she spent some time working with Mervyn Africa before embarking on a solo career based around her Quartet.

 

Being mainly self-taught she brings an original approach to her compositions and performances. Her experience with such a diverse mixture of musical styles ranging from salsa to reggae to funk and African music, along with a heavy influence from jazz players such as Sonny Rollins and Chick Corea, has created a unique style. The Clare Hirst Quartet have performed at many festivals, clubs and arts centres throughout the country and currently have a CD out on 33 Records entitled "Tough and Tender".

 
The Musicians
Hilary Cameron or Andrea Vicari - Piano, Ben Hazelton- double bass, Sebastian Roachford - Drums, Clare Hirst - Saxophones
 
Hilary Cameron (piano) studied at the Royal College of Music and is a regular member of Just East of Jazz and works with her own trio. Davide Giovannini (drums) originally from Italy, Davide spent several years in Cuba mastering the art of timbales and latin music. He works regularly with Snowboy and Negro Can. Phil Scragg (bass) is a unique player whose bass solos have to be heard to be believed. He has played in a diverse range of bands from Dudu Pukwana to The Beautiful South and Incantation. He is alsobusy writing scores for films. Clare herself made a recent appearance on BBC 2's "Jazz 606" series with the Mervyn Africa Quartet.
 
PRESS QUOTES
'A lively sax led session...blowing some passionate tenor and coaxing a swooningly
beautiful tone from the soprano. 'Time Out '
 
'A charming set showing considerable verve and energy...recommended. '
Venue Magazine
 
'Breathy and evocative tenor playing'. Chris Parker,The Times.
 
'Clare Hirst fields a powerful flow of ideas on both tenor and soprano - a promising and original quartet' Jazz Rag

 

To book the band :

contact Salsa Direct on 01992-447007 or email: info@salsadirect.co.uk