Description

Benn was born in Hastings. He became a protégée of Ronny Scott on the London Jazz scene, and went on to study at Berkley College, Massachusetts. He settled in Los Angeles in 1980 and has remained on the Californian Jazz scene ever since. In the 80 Benn was in Horace Silver's band, and since then he has played with many greats, including Cab Calloway, Cedar Walton - and the LA Philharmonic too. Benn shows hints of 50s Coltrane and of Sonny Rollins.
"a tough personal tone and a wide emotional range that extends from ballad tenderness to gladiatorial torrents of controlled aggression at fast tempos." - Chris Lee, Inside Jazz

Benn's Fleece debut was in 2001. John & Simon are now his UK Quartet regulars.

Darren, is famous for his original, ground-breaking beats. He was born in Belfast and started on drums at the age of 4. After winning an award in his teens, he went to study Jazz in New York, where he still lives. He has performed round the world, including in the Carnegie and Royal Albert Halls.

John has appeared many times at Fleece Jazz. His previous performance was in July, leading Hexagonal. When a student, John was in the Cambridge Modern Jazz Club's trio; frequently backing guest performers. He spent 11 years in California, but is now resident in Hastings.

Simon, is also resident near Hastings and was here with Hexagonal. His strong melodic double bass sound makes him is a Fleece favourite, He has appeared here with many of the other masters of jazz. He is plays and arranges for his own London swing band Jivin' Miss Daisy.

Description

Keepers Lane,

Leavenheath,

Colchester,

Essex,

England,

CO6 4PZ.