LLANDUDNO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jim Mullen is a truly original voice in contemporary jazz guitar. Originally from Glasgow he moved to London in 1969, going on to work in the groups of Pete Brown (2 albums) Brian Auger (3 albums) Vinegar Joe (1 Album) and Kokomo (1 album). In 1975 he met sax player Dick Morrissey, and they began a 15 year association working as the legendary funk band Morrisey Mullen. After the demise of this band he worked with jazz vocalist Claire Martin (3 albums) and formed a series of quartets (3 albums). As sideman he is in demand by visiting U.S. stars like Gene Harris, Mose Allison, Jimmy Smith, Weldon Irvine, Percy Sledge, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson, Jimmy Witherspoon and Terry Collier. He is twice winner of 'Best Guitar' in the British Telecom jazz awards and 'Best Guitar' in the British Jazz Awards for 2000.

 

"Jim Mullen is one of the great jazz guitarists working today" Jazzwise magazine

 

Mike Gorman was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. After studying in Manchester, he moved to London in 1995. Since then he has established himself as one of the UK's leading jazz pianists and organists, working with UK musicians such as Don Weller, Bobby Wellins, Alan Skidmore, Georgie Fame, Peter King, Alan Barnes, Dave Cliff, Stacey Kent, Guy Barker and Danny Moss, amongst others. He has also worked with many US artists, including Jimmy Witherspoon, Ken Peplowski, Bill Watrous, Lanny Morgan, Gwen McCrae and Marlena Shaw, as well as touring and recording with major international acts Incognito and Us3. Mike released his debut album "The Maze" on the label 33 Records in March 2002. The Album recieved much critical acclaim and was named Jazz CD of the Month in the Nov '02 BBC Music Magazine.

 

Matt Skelton graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 1994. Since then his career has encompassed a diverse range of music. He has accompanied Harry Sweets Edison, Scott Hamilton, Conte Candoli, Nick Brignola, Harry Allen, Warren Vache, Michael Moore and both Bucky and John Pizzarelli. He has also played with Dave O'Higgins, Alan Barnes, Don Weller and Stacey Kent, and regularly appears with the Halle, The BBC Concert Orchestra and The Britten Symphonia accompanying soloists such as Maria Ewing, Claire Martin, and Sir Richard Rodney Bennet. He is the drummer for the John Wilson Orchestra with whom he recently recorded the soundtrack for the major motion picture "Beyond The Sea", starring Kevin Spacey.

 

The Band's latest album, Smokescreen also featured legendary UK Saxophonist, Stan Sulzmann.

 

"For sheer musical excellence, this is a band with few peers" Chris Parker - Times Jazz Critic

 

"...the restrained passion with which Mullen and group play is touching" Evening Standard