Matt Ridley Quartet

An imaginative soloist with a brace of albums to his credit, bassist Matt Ridley also roots his band with strength and simplicity, his gently melodic but rhythmically sophisticated themes providing ideal vehicles for some superb group interplay and inspired individual soloing.

While deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, Ridley prefers to create a unique sound-world. At the heart of each composition is a strong, melodic theme, incorporating classical, groove-based styles and World Music, while the ferocious improvisational skills of each member make for absorbing and entertaining listening.

Jason Yarde started out with the Jazz Warriors and went on to MD this landmark orchestra, becoming one of its principal writers. He has been twice-nominated for a BBC Jazz award for Innovation and has performed with the big bands of McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Hermeto Pascoal, Sam Rivers and Manu Dibango.

John Turville is a creative, versatile, imaginative, multi-award winning pianist, who has recorded two acclaimed CDs under his own name, while George Hart has worked and recorded with Phil Donkin, Ivo Neame, Brigitte Beraha and Solstice. More recently, he has been touring and recording with Swing Out Sister.