Hugely talented young
British jazz trumpeter (yes they do exist). First made his name as a 13 year old in the
National Youth Jazz Orchestra, only a year after he took up the
instrument. He dropped out of his studies at the
Royal College of Music to take up offers of
session work with artists such as
George Benson,
Sting,
Grace Jones and
Quincy Jones. After long association with the Tracey family, first with
drummer Clark Tracey, then with
pianist and composer
Stan, he was signed by
Verve. Before this, his first couple of
records hadn't made much of a splash, but
under the wing of a larger label, he recorded the
critically acclaimed Into The Blue and
Timeswing with his
sextet, and
What Love Is in a
big band setting. He featured in
Anthony Mingella's film
The Talented Mr Ripley, supplying six numbers for the soundtrack, as well as appearing on screen.
His playing is characterised by its luxuriant tone, great flexibility and wonderful inventiveness, whether he is arranging old charts or playing his own compositions.
He is an inspiration to all those white folks out there who want to play jazz.