Andy Panayi

Andy Panayi is an exceptionally gifted jazz musician, skilled in performance, composition and arranging. He plays all the flutes and all the saxophones and currently leads his own groups, both jazz and classical. He also writes commissioned works and compositions & arrangements for his own ensembles.

Andy has performed and recorded with many singers such as: Shirley Bassey, Jessye Norman, Paul McCartney, Seth MacFarlane, Elaine Paige, Salena Jones, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Peter Skellen, Zoot Money, Irene Reed, Elaine Delmar, Helen Shapiro, Madeline Bell & Patty Austin to name a few.

John Pearce

Gentle and lyrical and thoughtful – John is one of Britain’s most respected and versatile musicians and also one of our best-kept secrets – listen to any of Scott Hamilton’s recent British recordings to hear the strength of his playing. John had classical piano lessons from the age of eight until 15 and became interested in jazz as a 12-year-old. He played his first gigs locally in Essex, before turning professional in 1968, working in Geraldo’s Navy aboard the Carmania, and then joined the QE2 for her maiden voyage to New York in 1969. He had a long association with the liner, and during the time accompanied an array of cabaret artistes. From 1975 to 1985 he was a member of Ray Ellington’s Quartet working at leading London venues for residencies, as well as two world cruises and radio and TV work. During the same period he became a regular session player, working with the BBC Radio Orchestra, Jack Parnell’s Orchestra, Robert Farnon, Billy May, as well as touring with the James Last Orchestra. His jazz work has taken him all over the world, including a tour of the Blue Note Jazz Clubs in Japan. He has accompanied many singers, including Anita O’Day, Selina Jones, Peggy Lee, Elaine Delmar and Annie Ross, Mark Murphy and a multitude of instrumentalists: Dick Morrisey, Art Farmer, Woody Shaw, Kenny Davern, Warren Vache, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, Tommy Whittle and Ronnie Scott. He has been a member of Scott Hamilton’s Quartet since 2000, and has performed with Scott throughout Europe.

Simon Woolf

Simon Woolf is a lyrical double-bassist in the tradition of his great idol, Red Mitchell. He has enjoyed long associations with leading UK jazz artists Andy Panayi, Mark Nightingale, Geoff Simkins, Dave Cliff, Peter Jacobsen, Bobby Wellins and been heard accompanying such US jazz greats as Benny Golson, Harry Allen, Grant Stewart, John Colianni, Ruby Braff, George van Eps & Howard Alden. He was featured alongside leading players from all over the world at the “Bass 2012” convention in Copenhagen.

In recent years Simon has organised UK tours for visiting artists from the USA and Europe. These include old friends Harry Allen and Howard Alden and new ones including tenor giants Grant Stewart and Chris Cheek and singing legends Judy Niemack and Deniece King.