Paul Higgs and Pavane · Summer Lullaby

Summer Lullaby is Paul Higgs’ second album with Pavane – a band of virtuoso musicians. With sultry, jazz-infused rhythms beckoning you to dance, and classical grandeur that evokes timeless elegance, the album has summer's tranquillity at its heart. The music on the album is unashamedly melodic and reflective, and each piece explores and builds on that mood.

Paul (Angel Award Winner and Ivor Novello Nominee) is renowned as one of the UK’s leading trumpet players and composers, especially known for his versatility as is fully displayed on the new album, which features all original compositions along with a Bacharach/David classic.

Paul served for many years as a regular Musical Director for the National Theatre of Great Britain and contributed to shows by the Royal Shakespeare Company, establishing himself as a versatile musician, equally at home playing jazz, classical, or contemporary music.

His exceptional talent has seen him perform in major venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, and the Berlin Concert Hall. He has performed with luminaries including Sir Peter Maxwell Davis, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Johnny Dankworth, Lulu, Tony Hatch, John Williams, Nancy Wilson, and Shorty Rodgers, to name just a few.

Music has always been an integral part of Paul Higgs’ life.  A child prodigy, he played piano melodies before he could talk, became enamoured with and learned to play a four-valve plastic trumpet at age five, entered music school when he was six, joined the school’s brass band at eight, taught himself to play classical guitar at nine, began piano lessons at 11, formed his own professional “function band” at 12 while also playing in several big bands, and that same year scored a 17-part big band arrangement of the theme of the TV show Hawaii 5-0 that was used by those groups for the next 15 years.  At 14 Paul joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in which he played a major part until he was 25, serving as their composer and arranger, and playing trumpet, piano, guitar, and bass.

At 22 he played his first West End theatre show with Lulu, and this led to Higgs being asked to work with the prestigious National Theatre where he eventually became the Musical Director for more than two-dozen productions. 

At the same time, he was also occasionally hired by the Royal Shakespeare Company.  During this productive time Higgs worked with the cream of actors and directors in the British theatre world including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Nicholas Hytner, Zoe Wanamaker CBE and Michael Sheen OBE.  This top-level theatre life was extremely hectic and required great ingenuity and resourcefulness.  On one occasion, the day before the opening night of a 17th Century play, the composer asked Paul if he played the accordion.  When he replied “no,” the composer said, “Wrong answer!”  By the following day Paul had obtained an accordion, practiced the part, and leapt on stage to play it perfectly while dressed in knickerbockers, tights, and a tri-corner hat.

 In addition to the above, Paul has composed and arranged music for numerous films and TV shows including Are You Ready For Love, Land Girls, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Drop The Dead Donkey, Family Matters, and Travelog, to name just a very few. In 1988 he was commissioned to compose a piece for The Proms at The Royal Albert Hall, and for the 2012 Olympic Games he was commissioned for the Government Art Collection alongside artist Mel Brimfield.

The combination of theatre work, backing big-name acts on-stage, working actively on recording sessions, and contributing to film and television music has tested Higgs’ musical abilities time and again.  He has developed a stellar reputation for being able to handle virtually any type of project with sensitivity and understanding, and to each challenge he brings his energy, enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of different genres and periods of music.

UK 2024 TOUR DATES

6th Apr            Kirk Langley Village Hall, Derbyshire

13th Apr          Southend-On-Sea Jazz Centre

17th Apr          Quaglinos, London

21st Apr           Ronnie Scotts, London

24th Apr          The Fleece Jazz Club, Leavenheath

26th Apr          Dunston Village Hall

27th Apr          Caunton Dean Hole Community Centre

12th May         Ipswich Jazz & Blues Club

17th May         2 Sisters Arts Centre, Felixstowe

18th May         Berkhamsted Jazz Club

15th Jun          Hadleigh Jazz Club, Town Hall

16th Jun          2 Sisters Arts Centre, Felixstowe

23rd Jun         Pizza Express, Dean Street, London

4th Jul             The Corn Hall, Diss, Norfolk

7th Jul             Pangbourne Jazz Club

12th Jul           Dorchester Arts Centre

13th Jul           Wigan International Jazz Festival

4th Aug           Chelmsford Cathedral

19th Sep          Salisbury Arts Centre

25th Sep          The Fleece Jazz Club, Leavenheath

13th Oct          Pizza Express, Dean Street, London

Pavane

Paul Higgs - Trumpet

Natalie Rozario – Cello

Chris Ingham – Piano

George Double – Drums

Andy Watson – Guitar

Jerome Davies – Double Bass

Frank Marino Bass · Nomad

Nomad is a laid back Smooth Jazz ride with Frank performing all the instruments and features his captivating Bass work.

Frank is an in demand session/touring bass player located in Scalea, Italy. In addtion to this work he is a composer and recording artist. In addition to his own music Frank can be heard on the recently released single, The New Journey by the American group, The Dave Howard Initiative, with whom he as also toured Europe. That single reached #1 on the RMR Jazz Fusion Chart. He recently did an American and Italian tour with Blues vocalist, Freddie Maguire. Besides Europe and America he has toured in South America. He currently can be heard on the single, The Saint, by New York based Italian artist, Max DeAngelis. Other artists he has performed or reccorded with are; Pork explosion, Amit Chattereeji, Flavio Boltro, Peter Degirolamo, Walter Sitz, Israel Varela, Eric Daniel and Robetinho De Paula.

This series of recordings were tracked in Frank's studio in Scalea, Italy and mixed at VSO Recording in Santa Cruz, CA by label owner Vince Sanchez. Frank and label owner and Grammy nominated producer/engineer Vince Sanchez, have known each other for several years. Vince is a part time resident of Scalea, where he maintains a small studio. He has worked with Frank on several projects including his production of Ukrainian singer, Maharita Lazeryeva.

“I have admired Franks playing since I first heard him and jumped at the chance to help him get his music to a wider audience.”

VSM Records is a small boutique label that has also released projects by John Mirani and Frankie V and the Lonely Club, which reached #7 on the RMR Roots Music Chart. Vince also had a #1 charting album on the RMR Americana chart. Both were released in 2023. He also recorded a Grammy nominated album for former Santana lead singer, Leon Patillo.

Johnny Britt · Ain't Nothin' But The Funk featuring Tom Browne

This Summer Funk Anthem is Britt’s follow up to his recent hit singles “Ocean Waves” featuring Blair Bryant, “Butterflies” featuring Will Downing and “After We Play” featuring Peter White.

The first young trumpet player to inspire Britt was Tom Browne when he saw him in Paris, France while studying trumpet at The Conservatoire de Versailles. “When Tom agreed, I immediately went into the recording studio to record “Ain’t Nothin’ But The Funk.”

“To have Tom Browne battling it out with me on trumpet is a dream come true. Two of the most soulful trumpet players in the business ---we are throwing it down on “Ain’t Nothin’ But The Funk.”

Reminiscent of “Jamaica Funk” this track goes down that same funky lane. This is a stepper’s jam everyone will be partying to this summer

Walter Kittle · Absolute Love featuring Gerald Albright

Walter Kittle is delighted to announce his new single, “Absolute Love” scheduled for release on May 10th. It’s the second time that Walter has teamed up Smooth Jazz artist, guitarist, and producer NILS. “Working with Gerald Albright and Brian Bromberg on this project is a dream come true. These musical giants have been immense influences on me and my music. I’ve always loved Gerald’s iconic sax sound and distinctive style of playing. Brian, on the other hand, is personally responsible for my transition to solo (Piccolo) Bass guitar.”

Kittle, who also wrote the song, extends his mastery to a unique sonic palette in urban jazz. He achieves this through a diverse arsenal of instruments, which includes the piccolo bass, five-string bass, fretlessbass, and his own custom eight-string bass. “At the heart of his new single lies his wife Robin Bleier. ‘She is my partner and my muse,’ he explains, ‘I could never reach this level of musicianship without her undying love and support.’”

In a move that truly “pulled out all the stops,” Walter and Robin, who also executive produced the single, collaborated with some of Los Angeles finest musicians. “Absolute Love” features GERALD ALBRIGHT on sax, BRIAN BROMBERG on upright bass, CORY MASON on drums, MITCH FORMAN on piano, and Oliver C. Brown on percussion, with NILS layering his signature rhythm fills, which are cleverly woven into the fabric of the song, and ROBIN BLEIER’S enchanting flute harmonies adding the finishing touch.

NWO The Band · This Generation featuring Larry Braggs

NWO, the acclaimed collective of iconic horn veterans, returns with a captivating new single that pays homage to the late Sheldon Reynolds. “This Generation,” penned by Reynolds and Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind and Fire, marks a poignant moment for the band as they honor their esteemed colleague and friend.

Following their chart-topping success with the #1 UK Soul single back in 2022, NWO has been tirelessly perfecting their sound in the studio. With Reynolds’ signature songwriting talents infused into the composition, “Next Generation” promises to captivate audiences with its slick, soulful melodies.

Joining the ensemble is the legendary crooner Larry Braggs, formerly of Tower of Power and The Temptations, whose rich and brilliant vocal skills elevate the track to new heights. Braggs’ addition to the lineup adds depth and resonance to the heartfelt tribute to Reynolds.

The release of “Next Generation” is not just about music; it’s a meaningful endeavor dedicated in part to Parkinson’s research. Sheldon Reynolds tragically passed away from Parkinson’s Disease, making this release a bittersweet yet powerful testament to his enduring legacy.

NWO invites fans and music enthusiasts alike to experience the soul-stirring magic of “This Generation” and join them in their mission to support Parkinson’s research.