Matt Wates Sextet

Matt Wates – Alto Sax (picture)

Martin Shaw – Trumpet

Andy Panayi – Tenor Sax

Leon Greening – Piano

Malcolm Creese – Double Bass

Matt Home – Drums

Matt Wates has led, composed and arranged for his Sextet for the past thirty years. He has always ensured that the musicians he invites to join him are amongst the finest in the UK – just see the list above! It’s no wonder that his sextet is popular throughout Europe and has released a dozen or so recordings, the last - “Ballad for Steve” – a tribute to Steve Main, a longtime colleague and band member.

The Sextet plays an infectious blend of “Jazz Messengers” bebop and West Coast cool, but in a way that is inspired by the past rather than replicating it. They have a melodic style and their repertoire is a mix of classic jazz standards and beautifully arranged originals.