Julian Argüelles Tetra

Julian Argüelles (leader / sax / compositions)

Kit Downes (piano)

Sam Lasserson (bass)

James Maddren (drums)

A welcome return for Tetra, and a rare chance to hear Julian as composer and leader. From his beginnings with the legendary Loose Tubes, through his worldwide collaborations, to his searching solo projects, UK composer / saxophonist, bandleader and educator Julian Argüelles has always spoken with a unique voice and is hugely influential to a new generation of British jazz musicians. The band will feature new music to be recorded directly after this UK tour. Expect to hear music that is supremely lyrical, with beautiful melodies whilst staying cliche free.

Latest album on Basho won Parliamentary Jazz Award 2016 for best album.

“…masters of muscle-stretching contemporary jazz.”

The Guardian, October 2015

“Surgingly bobtastic.”

Jazzwise, November 2015

“For the ability simultaneously to deliver great subtlety of musical character with both emotional

energy and intellectual power, he [Julian Argüelles] is one of the very best we have.”

Peter Bacon, Jazz Breakfast, October 2015

“… a group playing at a level – compositionally, improvisationally – that bears comparison with Keith Jarrett’s 1970s European quartet. A simply stunning set from all four”

Jon Turney, Jazzwise, Live review Brecon Jazz Festival 2015

Pianist and composer Kit Downes was nominated for a Mercury Music Award in 2010, and has won the BBC Rising Star Award, Yamaha Jazz Scholarship Award, and has been nominated twice for the British Jazz Awards. He is one of the most highly respected young jazz pianists in Europe.

Bassist Sam Lasserson is a highly regarded and in-demand young bass player. He has performed with many of the UK’s jazz stars.

Drummer James Maddren is currently a member of Kit Downes’ various bands and the Gwilym Simcock Trio, and performs regularly at the Vortex and elsewhere. He is the perhaps most in demand drummer in the UK today.