Tony Woods-saxes
Mike Outram-guitar
Rob Millett-vibes
Andy Hamill-bass
Milo Fell-drums
Influences
Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Paul Desmond, Lee Konitz, Art Pepper, Kenny Garrett, My Dad, Miles Davis, Ivo Papasov, Gerald Finzi, Kenny Wheeler, Lester Young, June Tabor ....
Sounds Like
This is what the critics have said about the Tony Woods Project: "It's jazz of admirable freshness and originality" (The Yorkshire Post); "This is an album of uncommon finesse which restores ones faith in the fact that modern jazz still has new directions to take..." (Claire Hadaway-Jazz Views); "secure and technically expert a jazz improviser... using a beautifully pure tone on his saxes and flutes" ( Jack Massarik-Jazzwise); "a deceptively reserved player with all kinds of hidden fires...full of surprises"**** (John Fordham- the Guardian); "..... the best of contemporary British Jazz" (Musician Magazine Summer 2005); "blows through boundaries like they weren't even there" Cadence; "moments of genuine beauty" Yorkshire Post; "squalls of jagged mayhem" fRoots; "this gig was as punchy as they come" Jazz uk; "delightful and charming" Jazz Journal.
Born in Southampton, Tony Woods grew up in Chilworth Old Village and began playing folk music with his father at the age of five. After studying jazz at the Leeds and Guildhall Schools of music he
decided to form his own band- the Tony Woods Project-to provide an outlet for his own compositions.
The Project recorded it's first album ('High Seas') in 1997 on FMR,which was well received by audiences and critics alike. It toured in 1998 and 2000 with the support of Jazz Services, and has since performed at numerous jazz festivals including Swanage, Manchester, Croydon, Ascot and London venues including the Vortex, the Crypt, the 606 Club, Pizza Express Dean St., and Lauderdale House.
The Project released its second album 'Lowlands' on the Basho Records label in 2004: melodic, folk inspired, quirky and uplifting compositions from Tony and exciting solos from the whole band. One feature of the music is the way collective improvisations are incorporated into bigger structures. The band features: Tony on saxophones, flutes, and alto clarinet, Mike Outram on guitars, Milo Fell on drums, and long time associates Robert Millett on vibes and Andy Hamill on bass, all of whom play with wonderful group empathy and respect for each other and the music. NEW ALBUM soon to be released!
STOP PRESS! The Tony Woods Project has been selected for a SEMS (South East Music Schemes) Award-two year professional development award.
OTHER PROJECTS- The Avalon Trio- Improvisations on English classical music of the 20th century, a Quartet with Tim Whitehead(tenor), Ollie Hayhurst(bass), Milo Fell(drums), Vocalist Nette Robinson's Little Big Band, Blue of a Kind-Kind of Blue Tribute band, GRAND SLAM with Mike Outram(guitar), Pete Whittaker(hammond), and Milo Fell (drums)-collaborative quartet featuring original material from the whole band and melodic improvisations, in part inspired by the art work of Brazilian artist Ana Maria Pacheco.
It's a place for bands to explain how they book shows. Comes along with news on web technologies, recording gizmos as well as music industry trends and anecdotes.
Hye Tony! Nice to meet you! I like your tunes very much, some peaceful melodies & also crazy themes & melodies.
I used to play in a jazz rock band during 7 years, with a sax player leader. We were playing most of all covers of Brecker Bros, Sanborn, Kenny G (sweeter but wonderful soprano sound). I think it sounds better when a band play compositions as you do, easier to express, isn't it?
Hiya Tony,
How you doing? Good to see you on hear sounding fresh and original. Are you still in the same place? Be nice to catch up sometime. Cheers, Simon
Just come back from a meal at Duncan and Julie Wallers.
Perfect end to the evening..... a little of your 'Chocolat", its beautiful.
Hope all is well with you.
Hi! Tony,
Great to hear you on MySpace - be even greater to play together again. Any chance of making it to my Birthday Bash on May27th?
Wonderful Tracks, by the way.
Peace, Tony R.
