It is not often that such a young artist presents an album that sounds so accomplished and mature, but Tommy Andrews is a saxophone player with a wise head on young shoulders. Jellymould Jazz releases the debut album from this award winning saxophonist and composer.
'The Crux' is a collection of seven through-composed original works blending the cinematic power of progressive rock and film-music with the dynamic subtleties of classical music, British Jazz and minimalism whilst allowing members of the band passages for improvisation. The maturity in Tommy's writing can partly be heard in the way in which he generously allows each member of this ensemble to explore his compositions.
It is this selflessness to his approach to making music that has led his quintet to gain a reputation as one of the most exciting groups on the London jazz scene. Bass player Dave Manington is a mainstay of the British jazz scene having been a founding member of Loop Collective and has played with most of the top jazz musicians in the country.
His presence in the group is a testimony to the respect that Tommy has earned so quickly. Drummer Dave Hamblett released his own album last year to much critical acclaim and is now one of the busiest players in the country.
Completing the line-up are guitarist Nick Costley-White and pianist Rick Simpson are both contemporaries of Tommy's from The Guildhall School of Music and demonstrate the wealth of young talent on the scene today.
