Steve Maine (Alto), Ross Stanley (Piano), Oli Hayhurst (Bass), Gary Willcox (Drums)
The Gary Willcox Quartet was formed in 2007 by Gary as way for him to develop his skills as a composer.
Since then the band has worked predominantly around the London and South East area taking in venues such Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club, Jazz Café Posk, to name a few.
Gary’s compositions are in a contemporary vernacular but take on influences from Popular Music song forms, Big Bands, Bebop & Modal Jazz.
The band have their own ‘Contemporary Straight Ahead’ sound, rooted in the tradition but with each member’s own voice on their respective instrument combining to create a fresh but recognisable palate.
As well as Gary’s own compositions the band also reinterpret works by some of the giants of modern jazz e.g. Theloniuos Monk, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter and Ornette Coleman.
The members, between them, have a wealth of experience.
Gary Willcox (drums & leader) has played around the UK with well-known artists such as Ian Shaw, Jim Mullen, Chris Batchelor and Tim Whitehead. He is a member of the Way Out West collective and via that collaborates frequently with Kate Williams, Chris Biscoe (who is also playing at Karamel on 31.04.18), Tim Whitehead, Pete Hurt and Emily Saunders & others. He is also a member of Loz Speyer’s Inner Space Music.
Stephen Main (alto sax) plays regularly in the BBC Big Band, The Pete Cater Big Band and has been a member of the Matt Wates Sextet for many years, in which he plays tenor sax.
Oli Hayhurst (double bass) has played in the bands of many of the UK’s best known Jazz artist’s e.g. Tim Whitehead, Georgia Mancio, Julian Seigel and more recently with the great John Coltrane collaborator Pharoah Sanders and is well-known to UK jazz fans.
Ross Stanley (piano) is the piano/keyboard of choice for many people, working with Hamish Stuart, Nigel Price Organ Trio, Brandon Allen & Quentin Collins Quartet and working in London’s recording studios.
“…Inspiring and in the moment playing. Love it…” – Jerry Bergonzi
“A versatile band with a rich, emotive sound: three powerful yet thoughtful soloists propelled by a lively, rustling drummer, playing open, attractively airy music imbued with just the right mix of punch and wistfulness.” – Chris Parker
Tickets available on the door at £10 per person.
Doors open at 6pm.
Live music starts at 8pm – 2 sets of an hour with a short interval.
Kitchen is open from 7pm until 10pm.
Come early and enjoy our Happy Hours Buy One Get One Half Price on drinks offer 5-7pm.
Karamel is a unique vegan space in the heart of Wood Green’s Cultural Quarter and is the centre point of the Chocolate Factory studios. Enjoy good quality fresh, affordable and hearty breakfasts, and world food buffets. We aim to satisfy the most critical beer drinker with our quality craft vegan beers from local or micro-breweries on tap.
It holds 2 Time Out awards, is open Mon-Sun and hosts Jazz every Thursday evening and presents singer/songwriters, alternative folk and poetry and emerging artists on Friday nights.
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