Andy Scott

“Fat and Funky”     Jazz UK

SaxAssault consists of 9 saxophonists, (ranging from sopranino to bass sax), plus rhythm section led by saxophonist and composer Andy Scott.

‘SaxAssault’ is Andy’s large ensemble. Formed in 1994 the group comprises nine saxophones (from sopranino through to bass) with rhythm section. Andy’s compositions for SaxAssault are carefully crafted to feature every member of the ensemble, whether an improviser or more classically-trained musician. ‘SaxAssault’ has been featured on BBC Radio 3 ‘Jazz Notes’ performing new compositions by Andy commissioned as a result of him being a recipient of the Peter Whittingham Award. Plans for 2006/2007 include a UK Tour, new recording (with special guest Bob Mintzer), and a performance by invitation at the World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia.

SaxAssault - Lip Service
SaxAssault live at the Krizanke Theatre July 2006.
This is the now legendary live version with roaring solos by Simon Willescroft,
Mike Hall and Elliott "have some of that" Henshaw. Lip Service will be released on
the new SaxAssault album due out spring 2007 with special guests Bob Mintzer,
Jonny Hayes and Gwilym Simcock

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Meet the band

		Rob Buckland – soprano sax One of only a very few saxophonists worldwide that is not only a leading contemporary classical soloist, but also an in demand jazz musician. Performs with ; Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Michael Nyman Band, Equivox Trio, Halle, Liverpool Philharmonic and Philharmonia Orchestras and many more.... www.robbuckland.com
		Ollie Collins – bass guitar Mega creative bass player and composer. Rave reviews for his debut solo CD. www.cdscout.co.uk/olliecollins/
		Jim Fieldhouse – baritone and bass sax Multi-instrumentalist (sax to euphonium!), arranger, and a formidable improvisor and reading musician.
		Mike Hall – tenor sax Director of Jazz Studies and the Royal Northern College of Music Big Band, in addition to performing with composer/pianist Mike Garrick and his own groups ‘Blueprint’ and ‘Crystal’. "....a hurricane on the bandstand and a major force in jazz education..."
		John Helliwell – tenor sax World famous saxophonist with pop legends ‘Supertramp’. www.johnhelliwell.com
		Elliot Henshaw – drums In demand London-based drummer who works with ; Shirley Bassey, Michael Ball, Laurie Holloway & Noel Sullivan (Hearsay). West End shows include Bombay Dreams, The Full Monty and Elliot is currently drummer on ‘The Rat Pack’.
		Paul Kilvington – keyboards Manchester-based keyboardist, composes for and runs his own band ‘Amazonia’. Performs and records with many groups, especially singer Laura Beth. Musical Director of ‘Cleopatra’ (who supported the ‘Spice Girls’ at Wembley Stadium!).
		Andy Morel – baritone sax Highly respected jazz/funk baritone saxophonist regularly touring and recording with jazz-folk outfit E2K and funksters ‘Pocket Central’.
		Jim Muirhead – alto sax Saxophonist and bass clarinetist with the Halle Orchestra (Manchester UK) and Tutor of Saxophone at the prestigious Chethams School of Music in Manchester UK.
		Tim Redpath – sopranino and soprano saxes Contemporary classical soprano saxophonist. Founder member of the Apollo Saxophone Quartet (1985), regular saxophonist for many years with major UK Orchestras such as Halle, Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic.
		Andy Scott – band leader – tenor and alto saxes Bandleader, saxophonist and composer. One of the UK’s most versatile and respected saxophonists. Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Dave Hassell – Andy Scott Duo, Halle Orchestra, many commissions, most recently two concertii for saxophones; ‘Dark Rain’ (2 saxophones & wind band) and ‘Concerto for Tubax with Orchestra’.
		Simon Willescroft – soprano and alto saxes One of the hottest young properties on the UK jazz and pop scene, regularly working with Katie Melua, James Taylor Quartet, Rose Royce, ABC and Tony Hadley.

Guests with SaxAssault have included: Julian Arguelles, Iain Ballamy, Neil Crossley, Iain Dixon, Dave Eno, Mick Foster, Tim France, Steve Gilbert, Nicky Illes, Bob Mintzer, Jake Newman, Carl Raven, Andy Schofield, Gwilym Simcock, Martin Slattery, Pete Turner, Steve Williams.   “A rich and auspicious debut from leader and catalyst Andy Scott... compelling listening!” City Life, Manchester reviews Bang!
		Photo: Jonathan Nunn
		Gwilym Simcock & Ollie Collins

 

“I don't know how many saxophonists it takes to change a lightbulb, but it takes nine plus rhythm section to perform pieces written by Andy Scott for his unique SaxAssault. The excellent results are heard on 'Bang!'” JAZZ UK reviews Bang!

SaxAssault with Bob Mintzer - Sax of Gold
Live at the Krizanke Theatre, Slovenia, July 2006 supporting the Yellowjackets.
Bob Mintzer guesting with SaxAssault here live - he is also guesting on this
track for SaxAssault's new album due out spring 2007 which also features
Jonny Hayes and Gwilym Simcock.

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History of the band

Photo: Jonathan Nunn

Bob Mintzer & Mike Hall

In 1995 Andy was approached by Manchester live music venue ‘Band on the Wall’ to create an ensemble to perform new music that would be commissioned from him. It was agreed that a nine-sax ensemble (sopranino to bass sax !) plus rhythm section would be a vehicle for Andy’s new compositions. Andy’s choice of saxophonists for SaxAssault was intriguing, in that he asked leading UK players from the worlds of jazz, contemporary classical, funk and pop music to come together into an ensemble. Knowing who he was composing for, the music plays to the strengths of each individual player whilst creating an ensemble that can genuinely be classed as unique.

SaxAssault recorded its debut CD, entitled 'Bang!' in 1996 at Band on the Wall.

In 1998 Andy was a co-recipient of the prestigious Peter Whittingham Award which resulted in further compositions being written for SaxAssault.

February 2000 saw the group undertake a UK Tour, financially supported by Arts Council of England Jazz Touring.

In 2001 BBC Radio 3 'Jazz Notes' broadcast a SaxAssault concert over two nights.

US Sax Legend Bob Mintzer guests with SaxAssault in 2002 and 2005, alongside regular UK annual concert appearances.

SaxAssault’s second CD to be recorded in Summer 2006 is to be followed by UK Tour Spring 2007 and European Festival Tour Summer 2007.

In addition to SaxAssault performances, Andy has been invited by numerous Music Conservatoires and Universities to give masterclasses directing, rehearsing and performing his SaxAssault compositions, most recently at The Royal Northern College of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal College of Music and Universität der Künste Berlin.

SaxAssault commissioned music has been funded by ; Arts Council of England North West, Inner City Music, Band on the Wall & Peter Whittingham Award.

Photo: Jonathan Nunn

SaxAssault playing at the Gala concert in the Opera Theatre as part of the RNCM Sax Day November 2005

See also www.myspace.com/saxassault

Sax of Gold UK Tour 2007
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