John Taylor + Julian Arguelles at 606 Club

Two world-class musicians combine forces tonight in one very special duo gig. Multi-award-winning pianist John Taylor is widely regarded as the finest UK jazz musician of his generation. A subtle pianist with brilliant technical command John has been at the forefront of the contemporary European jazz scene for almost four decades. He first came to prominence in the late 60’s before moving on to become Cleo Laine’s pianist during the early 1970’s. He went on from Cleo to join the Ronnie Scott Quintet and in 1977, John formed the trio “Azimuth” with two of the finest contemporary jazz musicians in Europe at the time, singer Norma Winstone and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler...

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Two world-class musicians combine forces tonight in one very special duo gig. Multi-award-winning pianist John Taylor is widely regarded as the finest UK jazz musician of his generation. A subtle pianist with brilliant technical command John has been at the forefront of the contemporary European jazz scene for almost four decades. He first came to prominence in the late 60’s before moving on to become Cleo Laine’s pianist during the early 1970’s. He went on from Cleo to join the Ronnie Scott Quintet and in 1977, John formed the trio “Azimuth” with two of the finest contemporary jazz musicians in Europe at the time, singer Norma Winstone and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. With their classic recordings on ECM this group rapidly established an international reputation and through the 80’s John’s burgeoning international career saw him perform with the likes of Jan Garbarek, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz and Charlie Mariano. Not only was his remarkable piano playing earning him respect worldwide amongst audiences and musicians alike, but by the 90’s he was also establishing himself as a composer and arranger of note. He continued his international career with recordings on ECM as well as ongoing live projects with an impressive array of international jazz artists. Appearing on over 80 CD’s as well as regular club and festival performances, John has continued to perform at the highest level and in July 2002 he received the BBC Jazz Award for 'Best New Work' for his “The Green Man Suite”. He has been Professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music since 1993 and in 2005 became a Lecturer in Jazz at York University. Julian Arguelles Staffordshire-born Julian Argüelles has combined his natural musical talent with an exceptional work rate, becoming one of Europe’s leading saxophonists, composers and educators. Originally performing in the celebrated big band Loose Tubes in the early 80’s he played a massive part in the 1980s renaissance in British jazz. Performing alongside internationally-renowned artists throughout his career, musicians with whom he has collaborated include Hermeto Pascoal, Steve Swallow, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, Django Bates, Kenny Wheeler and Carla Bley. His highly original and fluid playing style mark him out as a special talent and his compositions have earned him commissions from ensembles including the NDR Big Band (Hamburg), The Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Bath International Festival and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. As well as all that he also finds time to teach at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College London while continuing to release new material. The two musicians featured tonight are universally considered to amongst the finest performers on their instruments in the world, so this electrifying combination promises to be a very special night indeed. Booking advised.

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