This is a one-off meeting, featuring original music from each of the musicians, whose paths have crossed many times on the London scene, be it at Ronnie Scott’s or on the Vortex home base.
Hannes Riepler guitar
Martin Speake saxophone
Tim Thornton bass
Chris Draper drums
Hannes Riepler stylishly combines the immediacy of New York’s propulsive Downtown style with classical and folk textures. Recently performed with Chris Cheek, Jeff Williams and Colin Stranahan and can also be heard on two Andre Canniere Group albums (Whirlwind), Esben Tjalve’s Red Kite (F-ire) and Ryan Trebilcock’s Holler. Riepler runs the highly acclaimed VORTEX DOWNSTAIRS JAZZ Night at the Vortex Jazz Club every Sunday. Since November 2012 the guitarist has been collaborating with French saxophonist Julien Lourau, on his new improvisers ensemble ELECTRIC BIDDLE.
“London continues to be a magnet for foreign jazz musicians, and one of the best is Austrian guitarist Hannes Riepler” (The Daily Telegraph)
Martin Speake Citing Lee Konitz, Charlie Parker, Warne Marsh, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Ornette Coleman, Steve Coleman, Rabi Abou Khalil, and Paul Motian as major influences, Martin has developed a personal musical voice that expresses a deep understanding of the history and language of Jazz with individuality as an improviser that is intelligent, melodic, cool, complex, direct, beautiful and profound.
‘Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.’ Thomas Conrad – Jazz Times
Bassist Tim Thornton is a regular performer on the British jazz scene and graduate of Birmingham Conservatoire. He comes from a very musical background with his parents Neal Thornton (pianist/composer) and Sally Burgess (Mezzo Soprano/Director) influencing his early interest in the music world. Tim won the 2013 British Jazz Award in the rising star category after releasing and touring his debut album ‘New Kid’ He is a regular host of the Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s with his Quartet featuring Chris Draper
‘The most natural young double-bassist in years.’ Jack Massarik, Evening Standard
‘Thornton is a player with a strong technique who uses the range of the bass well, and is capable of great depth, emotion and lyricism.’ – Rob Edgar, londonjazz.blogspot.co.uk
Chris Draper came onto the scene recently but has carved a name for himself across London. Among others, he has worked with Kyle Eastwood, Soweto Kinch and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
