Nick Smart and Stan Sulzmann
@ the 606 Club
18 November 2015

Click an image to enlarge.

Nick Smart biography

Head of Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart is an internationally renowned jazz educator, trumpeter and musical director who has given guest masterclasses and performances around the world. In 2013 he was the winner of the prestigious Parliamentary Award for Jazz Education. In the UK he is recognised as one of the leading musicians on the London jazz scene, where as well as being in regular demand as a sideman to players of all generations, he continues to record and tour with his own projects.
Smart’s versatility as a trumpet player has allowed him to perform alongside many international jazz stars including George Russell, Bob Brookmeyer, John Hollenbeck, the New York Voices, Mike Gibbs and Dave Douglas, as well as most of the leading names on the UK jazz scene. Amongst other things Nick is currently a member of the Kenny Wheeler Big Band, in a new quartet from saxophonist Stan Sulzmann and just recorded for the new album of vocalist Christine Tobin in her interpretations of Leonard Cohen songs. As an acclaimed musical director of large ensembles, Nick conducts the Stan Sulzmann Big Band (Neon Orchestra) and the Troyka large ensemble, “Troykestra.” He also performs internationally as the regular soloist with the James Taylor Quartet.

Stan Sulzmann biography

For over twenty years Stan Sulzmann has been at the forefront of European contemporary jazz. An instantly recognisable sound coupled with breathtaking technique, as well as a boundless creative imagination, has meant that his talents have been sought after by a host of discerning musicians, including Kenny Wheeler, Gil Evans, Gwilym Simcock, Mike Gibbs, Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland, and John Taylor.

In recent times he was a featured soloist with the N.D.R. Big Band in Hamburg alongside Chet Baker, and has been seen on major British tours with David Murray and the New York Composers Orchestra. In his work as a leader Sulzmann has constantly striven to explore fresh approaches to making jazz music. Take, for example, his Aspects of Paragonne band, which featured two keyboard players and tuned percussion, or the two bass player line up of the Steam Bass Band.

Never one to rest on his laurels, his current quartet sees him alongside the major talents of guitarist John Parricelli ,Laurence Cottle on bass and drummer Ian Thomas. The duo with pianist Nikki Iles has received great acclaim both for its live performances and the stunning debut album Treasure Trove.

An accomplished and distinctive composer, Sulzmann has written for small groups and large jazz orchestras alike. Recent work has included pieces for the London Trombone Quartet and the Guildhall School of Music Jazz Orchestra. He has also written a number of pieces for The European Jazz Ensemble. He recorded his own Big Band album “Birthdays Birthdays” on Village Life label with soloists such as Paul Clarvis, Ken Wheeler, John Parricelli, Julian Siegel.