Andy Scott

It's been a good few months. My new double-bill multimedia project was launched at the RNCM on 26th April. 'My Mountain Top' and 'Summer with Monica' were well received.

Thanks to actor Richard Ellis and images/photographer Gary Abbott, special thanks to Paul Clarvis for standing in for Dave Hassell who was unwell, but who is recovering very well. It was great having composers Peter Meechan, Matthew Wright and Graham Fitkin present to hear their pieces. In Graham's case it was the World Premiere of 'Passing' and for me the culmination of about two years work instigating and organising the 'World Tenor Saxophone Consortium'.

I went to Apollo colleague Tim Redpath's new house/recording studio in France to record most of the 'My Mountain Top' set in May. If you need somewhere peaceful, sunny, tranquil and generally great to record then contact Tim (see 'links' page). The biggest challenge is not hitting the red wine too early in the day !

Two years ago I formed the DB5, a jazz-funk quintet (now sextet with the addition of Laura Beth on vocals and keyboards) which plays on the first Wednesday of each month at DeBees in Winsford. It's a local gig for me and we had a party last week to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Jazz Night at DeBees. Thanks to everyone in the band, and also to Damon and his staff at DeBees ! Long may this gig continue.

There are some other special events coming up in the next few months, I've listed them below, I hope that you might be able to make one or more of them.

• Summer School Latest News - the Woldingham Saxophone Summer School is only a couple of weeks away, and the second Harrogate Saxophone Summer School runs from 22nd-25th August. Still time to book places, it would be great to see you there ! Please see 'events' page for contact details.

• The British Clarinet Ensemble, directed by Charles Hine, gives the World Premiere of my piece 'Fujiko' in Tokyo on 23rd July as part of ClarinetFest 2005.

• Three SaxAssault gigs are now confirmed for Autumn '05, culminating in a performance at the IWF/RNCM Sax Day Gala Concert, with special guest Bob Mintzer.

• The Andy Scott - Dave Hassell Duo are delighted to announce the release of its Cd 'SandDancer' on the Quartz label.

• Andy Scott & Dave Hassell have been invited to perform at the 33rd Annual IAJE International Conference to be held in New York City in January 2006.

• Saxophonists John Harle and Rob Buckland will give the World Premiere of my 'Concerto for Two Saxophones with Symphonic Winds', with the Chethams School of Music Wind Orchestra, directed by James Gourlay at the RNCM Sax Day (sponsored by Selmer Saxophones) on Sunday 6th November '05. This is a Basbwe Music Conservatoire/University Consortium Commission.

• The Apollo Saxophone Quartet perform at the Poitiers Festival in France in August (supported by Selmer). This event marks the beginning of a collaboration with one of France's leading ensembles, the Habanera Quartett.

• I'll be touring the UK giving 8 or 9 'Saxophone Days' this Autumn, all sponsored by British Saxophone makers, Trevor J James and Co. Please see 'events' page for more details.

Andy

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