Biography of Seb Pipe

SEB PIPE’S LIFE EXPERIENCE comprises forward-thinking musicians who share a passion for creative musical expression and communication. Their music is forged from idiosyncratic concepts, tight grooves and bold improvisations. Following the completion of their new album (funded partly by their development prize received from the ‘Musicians Benevolent Fund’ in 2006), and thanks to the success of their ‘Jazz Services’ supported tour in July 2006, their performance at the ‘Spitz’ in November 2006 as part of the ‘London Jazz Festival’ and all performances up to the present time, they have built up, developed and honed a diverse array of highly innovative, original and electrifying compositions.

Band Biographies:

SEB PIPE: ALTO SAX
Seb is continuously expanding his interest, appreciation and love of music of all forms. His main musical focus lies in the African Diaspora, the Balkans, Far East, India and Western Classical. Seb was drawn to music from an early age, picking up the saxophone at the age of 7 then later guitar, piano and drums. Seb’s most influential teachers include Jean Toussaint, Steve Coleman and Julian Argüelles. Seb’s most important performances have taken place in Tokyo (as special guest with Andy Davies Quartet), Lisbon (with Pequeños Mundos) and at the Spitz in London, leading Seb Pipe’s Life Experience as part of a double bill with Tony Kofi as part of the London Jazz Festival 2006.

ARTHUR LEA: PIANO
Arthur started piano at the age of 7 and Tenor Horn at 8. Early gigging experiences ranged from London venues to the Twin Towers, New York. Arthur studied jazz piano at the Royal Academy of Music with a scholarship. Teachers included Pete Saberton, Robert Mitchell, Liam Noble and Mike Mondesir. He has led his own 7-piece ensemble at the 606 Club, City of London Festival and Pizza Express.

LARRY BARTLEY: DOUBLE BASS
Larry has become one the most sought after players on the London jazz scene. Musicians he has worked with include Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Denyse Baptiste, Byron Wallen and Jason Yarde. He has toured with several musicals and dance collaborations such as ‘The Nat King Cole Story’, ‘Grapevine the Music of Motown’ and Jonzi D’s ‘Airplane Man’. He has also released his own album ‘Along this Way’.

CHRIS VATALARO: DRUMS
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Chris moved to London where he quickly made his mark on the London jazz scene, collaborating with wide variety musicians including Ingrid Laubrock and Jonathan Bratoeff. Chris has performed in the U.S. with Eric Biondo, Akemi Naito, Afro Beat Orchestra: Antibalas. A player to watch out for.