James Morton "Groove Den"
James Morton "Groove Den" at 606 Club, London
About the show
One of the most exciting saxophonists of his generation Bristol-based James Morton has performed and recorded with the likes of Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, George Clinton and the Herbaliser Band. He played his first gig at the age of 12, was at Glastonbury by 16 and soon after that was appearing at festivals across the US and Europe, just taking time out to get his Masters degree in Music. With two critically acclaimed albums and a growing reputation as a writer and arranger James is very much the sax player to look out for. Tonight he will be bringing his organ-based band Groove Den to the Club, featuring Anders Olinder (Pee Wee Ellis)-organ, Alex Hutchings (Steven Wilson)-guitar & Francesco Mendolia (Incognito)-drums performing a mix of jazz, funk, hip-hop, soul and rock, the unifying elements being groove and feel. Featuring lyrical, funky, soulful saxophone and blistering guitar solos Groove Den takes listeners, as the band says “on a journey from New Orleans to the urban streets of Bristol!”.
“Soul and Funk with Sparkle” Guardian
Featuring - James Morton
Funky jazz alto saxophonist. At 22 he gained his Masters Degree in Jazz. James has developed his unique voice through direct influences from funk, soul, jazz, gospel, latin and urban music. He has the ability to communicate to an audience through his saxophone and directly project deep emotion across to the listener in a lyrical style. In August 2014 he was appointed Mayoral Ambassador of Music for Bristol by Mayor George Ferguson.