THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET - PRESS KIT - 1/5

THE JOHN ARAM QUINTET

TOM CAWLEY｜GRAEME BLEVINS｜PHIL DONKIN

ARTHUR HNATEK｜VJ JOSS SESSIONS

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This international Jazz group is touring the acclaimed version of Alan Sillitoe’s cult

book and film of the same title, led by trombonist and composer John Aram.

John has been working with Phil Collins on both small and large-scale projects

since 2007 and has arranged, written, recorded and toured with Phil. He is also

known as an important Jazz composer and conductor with recordings and concerts

alongside Kenny Wheeler, Josh Roseman, Chris Potter, Guy Barker and many more.

Born and brought up in Nottingham, John studied at the Royal Academy of Music in

London but has been based for many years now in Switzerland.

This project has toured in France, Switzerland and the UK and was originally

recorded with the great Kenny Wheeler playing.

Our project uses some great young musicians : Tom Cawley on piano, Graeme

Blevins on sax, Phil Donkin on bass, Arthur Hnatek on drums and Joss Sessions on

Video design.

The show uses a video backdrop and has been really well received by Jazz and non-

Jazz audiences. The disc was voted by JazzBlog as one of the top ten discs of 2011.

Here is a short video compilation of some things from our last tour. I'm afraid the

sound quality is not good but it will give you some idea of the presentation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z93KvvOeL2E

iTunes Link

http://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/saturday-night-and-sunday/id471117522?l=en

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REVIEWS A review of UK concerts

“Aram wrote the suite as a very loose adaptation

of the story, broadly following the same plot and

covering the same themes as the book.

Occasional snatches of dialogue from the film

popped up between the pieces, marking key

moments in the story : “I’m pregnant. Good and

proper this time” was my favorite.”

“From the jumpy hustle of the scene-setting

opening that aimed for the feel of a busy factory

in the 50’s and the attendant release of energy

when the shift was over to the woozy blare of the

trombone on a drunken night out, Aram’s music

absolutely nailed the texture of the times. And

Sillitoe’s story was clearly visible in the music, most effectively in the tender

intimacy of a sax solo blowing breathy sweet nothings into our ear to signify a slow

dance and a burgeoning love affair, and in the upbeat and optimistic fizz of the

closing marriage scene. It was a tremendous evocation of the novel, and no doubt

drove many of those present to pick the book up again when they reached home

that night." Left Lion.

“Aram had the blessing of Alan

Sillitoe and plans were made for a

performance in the Author’s

presence, however Alan’s’ death in

2010 meant that this was not

possible. In October 2011 with the

help of Nottingham Jazz, Saturday

Night and Sunday Morning was

finally presented in Nottingham with

the author’s son present. The project

was also endorsed by the British Council and was presented in Bern to the British

Ambassador and guests.”

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THE BAND In a little more detail

John Aram, a British musician and composer who is currently living in Geneva,

Switzerland, has just finished his newest project which is based on the book

and film by the late writer Alan Sillitoe : “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning”.

An example of some of the music can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V513Hs7hEp8

John Aram recently worked with Phil Collins on his latest album “Going

Back” arranging the album and subsequently touring as part of his band around the

US and Europe. John is currently directing the Swiss Jazz Orchestra with guests

such as Dave Douglas and Chris Potter. As well as this John has worked with a

wealth of musicians including : Tim Garland, Kenny Wheeler, Scott Stroman, Daniel

Humair, Josh Roseman, Léo Tardin and the Rova Quartet. Nevertheless, this project

promises to be one of John’s most exciting projects to date not least because of the

exciting line-up and vibrant live performance.

John Aram on trombone

More information can be found at www.johnaram.com

Graeme Blevins on saxophone

Graeme has recently worked with Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Kyle Eastwood, Clint

Eastwood, Kelly Rowland, The Script, The Ronnie Scott’s All-stars, BBC Big Band,

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, The Singapore Symphony Orchestra and The

West Australian Symphony Orchestra to name a few.

Tom Cawley on piano

Tom is the most in demand UK pianist of the moment, playing with his

trio “Curio’s”, he has just completed a tour with Peter Gabriel and is a regular at

Ronnie Scotts and many other leading UK venues.

Phil Donkin on bass

Phil studied at the Guildhall School, studying under the LSO principal Colin Paris.

Since 2002, Phil has been busy on the London and UK scene, and has also worked

with internationally known artists such as Mike Gibbs, Kirk Lightsey, Guy Barker and

Jeff Williams. He is currently resident in New York with he is playing with many of

the leading contemporary jazz musicians.

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Arthur Hnatek on drums

Arthur is a young Swiss jazz drummer and was voted best Swiss drummer for two

consecutive years (2006/07). He has trained in both Switzerland and New York and

has played around the world. Arthur was invited by YAMAHA Drums to perform at

the Groove All-Stars in Frankfurt, Germany where he played with Neil Stubenhaus,

David Spinozza, Ross Bolton and the whole All-Star band.

This impressive line up will be met onstage with visuals taken from the

film “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” performed by VJ Joss Session, who has

recently graduated from the technical design course at the Liverpool Institute for

Performing Arts (LIPA).

Email : john@johnaram.com

Website : www.johnaram.com