Biography of Kate Williams

Pianist/composer Kate Williams leads an exciting new quintet featuring the remarkable talents of Gareth Lockrane (flutes), Steve Kaldestad (tenor), Jeremy Brown (double bass), and Tristan Mailliot (drums). With this line-up, Kate displays the rich and varied textures of her writing to the full on a new CD ‘The Embrace’ due for release on 33 Records in 2008.
“Kate Williams is not only one of the subtlest pianists currently operating in the UK…but she is also, as the material on this fine quintet album demonstrates, a highly skilled composer of immediately appealing but absorbing themes”. Chris Parker

In addition to working with her own band, Kate has played with numerous names on the UK jazz scene, including John Etheridge, Bobby Wellins, Chris Biscoe, Matt Wates, Tim Whitehead, Tony Woods, Julian Siegel, Allison Neale, and Anita Wardell. She has released three Cds (two quartet, one trio), and received the John Dankworth Award for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition.
“ A wonderful ever-changing variety of harmony and texture”. The Observer
” A superbly lucid and inventive pianist and composer”. Humphrey Lyttleton

Gareth Lockrane (flute) co-founded the band ‘Grooveyard’ with saxophonist Alex Garnett, releasing the critically acclaimed CD ‘Put The Cat Out’. The group went on to win the Best European Jazz Group award at the 2003 Granada Jazz Festival.
Gareth has also performed with The James Taylor Quartet, Hans Koller Big Band, Anita Wardell, The Urban Jazz Quintet (with Pete King), and has recently been working with Bheki Mseleku.

Steve Kaldestad (tenor saxophone) relocated to London 6 years ago after obtaining a Masters in Music at Montreal’s McGill University, and studying in New York with Lee Konitz.
He has played with Slide Hampton, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, Churcho Valdez, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Steve is currently a member of the Matt Wates Sextet, and co-leads a quartet with drummer Steve Brown.

Jeremy Brown (double bass) has worked with numerous musicians and ensembles including Pete King Quartet, Julian Joseph, Urban Jazz Quintet, Brad Meldhau, Art Farmer, Mark Turner, Anita Wardell, Curtis Stigers, Phil Woods, Johnny Griffin, Louis Stewart and Benn Clatworthy.
"...deftly supportive bassist and one of the most sought-after bass men in the country" John Fordham, The Guardian

Tristan Mailliot (drums) has worked with leading UK and international artists including Art Farmer, Jim Hall, Claire Martin, Peter King, Stan Tracey, Tina May, and Nikki Iles.
He is currently working with the Christian Brewer Quintet, John Critchinson Quartet, and Gareth Williams Trio.