NC Jazz: Art Themen’s New Directions

Art formed this new band to showcase some of jazz’s lesser known gems from composers such as Thelonious Monk, bringing musicality to material that you wouldn’t normally hear. It reflects his desire for a fresh though accessible examination of this music and the additional firepower of compositions by Messrs Williams, Somogyi and Fishwick add further variety to the repertoire.

The band’s stellar lineup includes pianist Gareth Williams, also a previous winner of the British jazz awards, and trumpeter Steve Fishwick, a member of Ronnie Scotts house band and teacher on the faculties of the Guildhall, Royal Academy, Leeds and Birmingham School music academies. Bassist Arnie Somogyi, also an academic teacher and member of the Ronnie Scott ensemble is a well known band leader and broadcaster in his own right. The charismatic drummer Winston Clifford is widely regarded as one of the finest percussionists in the UK and is the band’s secret weapon in the guise of an engaging vocalist. The band recorded a CD which was released early in 2017.