THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 1/5
THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET
TOM CAWLEY|GRAEME BLEVINS|PHIL DONKIN
ARTHUR HNATEK|VJ JOSS SESSIONS
THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 2/5
This international Jazz group is touring the acclaimed version of Alan Sillitoe’s cult
book and film of the same title, led by trombonist and composer John Aram.
John has been working with Phil Collins on both small and large-scale projects
since 2007 and has arranged, written, recorded and toured with Phil. He is also
known as an important Jazz composer and conductor with recordings and concerts
alongside Kenny Wheeler, Josh Roseman, Chris Potter, Guy Barker and many more.
Born and brought up in Nottingham, John studied at the Royal Academy of Music in
London but has been based for many years now in Switzerland.
This project has toured in France, Switzerland and the UK and was originally
recorded with the great Kenny Wheeler playing.
Our project uses some great young musicians : Tom Cawley on piano, Graeme
Blevins on sax, Phil Donkin on bass, Arthur Hnatek on drums and Joss Sessions on
Video design.
The show uses a video backdrop and has been really well received by Jazz and non-
Jazz audiences. The disc was voted by JazzBlog as one of the top ten discs of 2011.
Here is a short video compilation of some things from our last tour. I'm afraid the
sound quality is not good but it will give you some idea of the presentation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z93KvvOeL2E
iTunes Link
http://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/saturday-night-and-sunday/id471117522?l=en
THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 3/5
REVIEWS A review of UK concerts
“Aram wrote the suite as a very loose adaptation
of the story, broadly following the same plot and
covering the same themes as the book.
Occasional snatches of dialogue from the film
popped up between the pieces, marking key
moments in the story : “I’m pregnant. Good and
proper this time” was my favorite.”
“From the jumpy hustle of the scene-setting
opening that aimed for the feel of a busy factory
in the 50’s and the attendant release of energy
when the shift was over to the woozy blare of the
trombone on a drunken night out, Aram’s music
absolutely nailed the texture of the times. And
Sillitoe’s story was clearly visible in the music, most effectively in the tender
intimacy of a sax solo blowing breathy sweet nothings into our ear to signify a slow
dance and a burgeoning love affair, and in the upbeat and optimistic fizz of the
closing marriage scene. It was a tremendous evocation of the novel, and no doubt
drove many of those present to pick the book up again when they reached home
that night." Left Lion.
“Aram had the blessing of Alan
Sillitoe and plans were made for a
performance in the Author’s
presence, however Alan’s’ death in
2010 meant that this was not
possible. In October 2011 with the
help of Nottingham Jazz, Saturday
Night and Sunday Morning was
finally presented in Nottingham with
the author’s son present. The project
was also endorsed by the British Council and was presented in Bern to the British
Ambassador and guests.”
THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 4/5
THE BAND In a little more detail
John Aram, a British musician and composer who is currently living in Geneva,
Switzerland, has just finished his newest project which is based on the book
and film by the late writer Alan Sillitoe : “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning”.
An example of some of the music can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V513Hs7hEp8
John Aram recently worked with Phil Collins on his latest album “Going
Back” arranging the album and subsequently touring as part of his band around the
US and Europe. John is currently directing the Swiss Jazz Orchestra with guests
such as Dave Douglas and Chris Potter. As well as this John has worked with a
wealth of musicians including : Tim Garland, Kenny Wheeler, Scott Stroman, Daniel
Humair, Josh Roseman, Léo Tardin and the Rova Quartet. Nevertheless, this project
promises to be one of John’s most exciting projects to date not least because of the
exciting line-up and vibrant live performance.
John Aram on trombone
More information can be found at www.johnaram.com
Graeme Blevins on saxophone
Graeme has recently worked with Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Kyle Eastwood, Clint
Eastwood, Kelly Rowland, The Script, The Ronnie Scott’s All-stars, BBC Big Band,
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, The Singapore Symphony Orchestra and The
West Australian Symphony Orchestra to name a few.
Tom Cawley on piano
Tom is the most in demand UK pianist of the moment, playing with his
trio “Curio’s”, he has just completed a tour with Peter Gabriel and is a regular at
Ronnie Scotts and many other leading UK venues.
Phil Donkin on bass
Phil studied at the Guildhall School, studying under the LSO principal Colin Paris.
Since 2002, Phil has been busy on the London and UK scene, and has also worked
with internationally known artists such as Mike Gibbs, Kirk Lightsey, Guy Barker and
Jeff Williams. He is currently resident in New York with he is playing with many of
the leading contemporary jazz musicians.
THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 5/5
Arthur Hnatek on drums
Arthur is a young Swiss jazz drummer and was voted best Swiss drummer for two
consecutive years (2006/07). He has trained in both Switzerland and New York and
has played around the world. Arthur was invited by YAMAHA Drums to perform at
the Groove All-Stars in Frankfurt, Germany where he played with Neil Stubenhaus,
David Spinozza, Ross Bolton and the whole All-Star band.
This impressive line up will be met onstage with visuals taken from the
film “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” performed by VJ Joss Session, who has
recently graduated from the technical design course at the Liverpool Institute for
Performing Arts (LIPA).
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.johnaram.com