WORLD JAZZ LIVE SESSIONS AT THE TOWER – Hosted by Maiuko

Debut Album Launch ‘Trails and Traces’

Coming off the back of powerful performances at Love Supreme Festival, Pizza Express and The 606 to name a few; this quartet creates a gripping and intense experience that rips up the rule books and speaks from a combined beating heart.

NYE BANFIELD
Hailing from rural Leicestershire with Welsh roots, Nye is a profoundly creative saxophonist and composer bringing a fresh perspective to South East London. Through his music, Nye paints visceral scenes from his life and the people around him. A graduate of Trinity Laban, Nye combines influences from jazz icons Wayne Shorter, Ambrose Akinmusire, and mentor Mark Lockheart, as well as wider sources of inspiration from the pastoral works of Vaughan Williams to song writing of Damon Albarn.

Described by Headfirst Bristol as “a smart and original composer who knows both the roots of modern jazz and where he intends to take his own music”, Nye takes you on a vivid journey of richly textured composition and lyrical improvisation. Nye’s tenor sound, a focus of his over the last 10 years, is earthy, broad and incredibly expressive, providing a focal point to the band’s combined timbre.

THE BAND
For this performance, Nye will be at the helm of an impressively exciting quartet. Featuring a trio of ‘Moores’, the rhythm section holds all the tools to set the stage alight. Brothers Ewan and Robbie, on drums and piano lead their own project ‘Bigheadmode’, and play with a synchronicity that can only be achieved through shared genetics. Hamish Nockles-Moore completes the quartet, providing raw creativity and a barrage of energy from bass.

The quartet has toured the country receiving high praise from listeners, receiving quotes such as:

“My heart needed your music last night.. it was by far one of my favourite jazz club encounters to date”. 
“The Nye Banfield sextet blew up a storm at Pizza Express.”

THE ALBUM  – ‘Trails and Traces’ 
Dropping on vinyl in January 2024, this will be Nye’s debut LP. Featuring ‘Banger Factory’ leader Mark Kavuma on trumpet, the performances from the sextet are richly diverse in influences. An infusion of flavours from 60s Blue Note records, 90s Radiohead, 20th century classical music and contemporary New York Jazz combine to create an intensely gripping sound.

The musicians on the record breathe life into every corner of Nye’s compositions. The rhythm section features virtuosos Rupert Cox on piano, Hamish Nockles-Moore on double bass and Ewan Moore on drums. They have the dexterity to deliver subtlety and a sensitivity of space for the nostalgia of tracks ‘Four Years Later’ and ’E11’, whilst also having the grit to bring an onslaught of energy to ‘Bellarom Gold’ and ‘Rockhopper’. Mark Kavuma brings a touch of class to the palette, offering a few hard-bop style solos, a cool shift from the undeniably modernness of the group. The sextet is complemented by young talent Wilf Diamond on trombone who brings a warm soulfulness to the mix.

Away from the music, the product itself has been given a lot of thought and care. The sessions were engineered and mixed by twice Mercury Prize nominated Sonny Johns (Dinosaur, Portico Quartet), and subsequently mastered by World Circuit legend Tom Leader (Buena Vista Social Club, Kate Bush). The record was then cut at Abbey Road Studios and pressed by Optimal Media in Germany, altogether producing a record with real, tangible quality.

The cover features a piece by Sonia Stanyard. Green silk-screened paper is torn, spliced and reconfigured to explore how limitation can create freedom. Nye relates to her process, using form and structure combined with spontaneity to create expressive art.

Nye Banfield – tenor sax
Robbie Moore – piano
Hamish Nockles Moore –  double bass
Ewan Moore – drums

https://www.nyebanfield.co.uk/

Opening Act
TESS JONES – Singer-Songwriter/ Pianist and Guitarist.

Beginning his national career on the BBC Folk show and with live sessions for Bob Harris, Tess has communicated the hopes and challenges of life through his heartfelt mix of acoustic genre.

His songs are a collection of intimate moments; blending a unique mix of biographical lyrics, hooks and emotive crescendo developed through his years of touring. He has experimented with chamber folk and acoustic singer-songwriter guitar and piano. Yet, he has always retained his unique stamp throughout; accompanied with strong sensibilities for melody.

Supports include Joan Armatrading and Maddy Prior. With venues spanning Glastonbury Festival  to The Jam House, Birmingham Synphony Hall and Ronnie Scott’s.

“Some very hot UK Talent! A wonderful record!” Bob Harris, BBC RADIO 2
“Not to be ignored.” MOJO

Tickets £15

Doors 6.30pm
Unreserved seating
A PortCaia Production in association with The Tower Theatre