2006-10-10 01:20:13

This autumn Tim Richards' nine-piece GREAT SPIRIT embark on their fourth UK tour 21 October - 4 November, with support from the PRS FOUNDATION for NEW MUSIC, JAZZ SERVICES Ltd and THE MUSICIANS UNION.

They'll be joined by one of Finland's top jazz musicians, Jari Perkiomaki (alto/soprano sax). Head of the jazz department at Helsinki's prestigious Sibelius Academy, Perkiomaki has performed all over the world with his own trio/quartet. He joined the Pori Big Band in 1977 when only 16, later conducting the band with special US guest Kenny Garrett in 2005. He has previously appeared in the UK with Ed Jones' Anglo-Finnish band, and trumpeter Mika Myllari.

The remaining line-up comprises an impressive selection of London's most dynamic jazz musicians, many of whom are bandleaders in their own right. See the GIGS page for details and tour dates.

GREAT SPIRIT combines the earthiness of blues and funk, the harmonies of contemporary jazz, the rhythms of Africa, and the thrilling combination of structure and freedom provided by Tim's innovative writing - all showcased to fine effect on the band's latest CD on 33 Records, Epistrophy (33Jazz120), released in 2005 to universal acclaim.

GREAT SPIRIT aims to show that contemporary jazz is vibrantly alive in the C21st, and that it can appeal to a broad cross-section of people of all ages and cultures.