Formed in 1991, London Saxophonic is an ensemble dedicated to the creation and performance of new music for multiple saxophones. Early experimentations as a saxophone sextet became the template for the future musical direction of the group, and the eventual line-up became nine saxophones (Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Bass in various combinations), integrated with percussion, keyboards and string or electric bass.
A meeting with Louis Hardin aka Moondog during a rare visit to England by the composer led to a successful working relationship, with performances by Moondog and London Saxophonic throughout Europe. Two CD recordings were released: Sax Pax for a Sax in 1992 and the Moondog Big Band album (now released as Rare Material) in collaboration with London Brass in 1994. This was followed in 1997 by An Eye For A Difference, a CD of works by Michael Nyman, including music from the Draughtman's Contract, Traversee de Paris, The Piano and Carrington.
More recently, following a successful performance in Milan, London Saxophonic was invited to perform at Etnafest in Catania where, alongside music by Nyman, Will Gregory and Nina Rota it gave the premiere of the saxophone version of Gavin Bryars’ Three Elegies in a new arrangement by Gareth Brady. In 2009 the group reconvened for a long overdue return to the Moondog programme as part of the main evening performance of The Viking of Sixth Avenue, a celebration of the life and work of Louis Hardin at the Barbican in London.
Members: Gareth Brady, Rob Buckland, Chris Caldwell, Christian Forshaw, Bradley Grant, Andy Scott, Will Gregory, Simon Haram, Paul Stevens (saxophone), Paul Clarvis (drums), Liam Noble (piano), Richard Pryce (bass)
A meeting with Louis Hardin aka Moondog during a rare visit to England by the composer led to a successful working relationship, with performances by Moondog and London Saxophonic throughout Europe. Two CD recordings were released: Sax Pax for a Sax in 1992 and the Moondog Big Band album (now released as Rare Material) in collaboration with London Brass in 1994. This was followed in 1997 by An Eye For A Difference, a CD of works by Michael Nyman, including music from the Draughtman's Contract, Traversee de Paris, The Piano and Carrington.
More recently, following a successful performance in Milan, London Saxophonic was invited to perform at Etnafest in Catania where, alongside music by Nyman, Will Gregory and Nina Rota it gave the premiere of the saxophone version of Gavin Bryars’ Three Elegies in a new arrangement by Gareth Brady. In 2009 the group reconvened for a long overdue return to the Moondog programme as part of the main evening performance of The Viking of Sixth Avenue, a celebration of the life and work of Louis Hardin at the Barbican in London.
Members: Gareth Brady, Rob Buckland, Chris Caldwell, Christian Forshaw, Bradley Grant, Andy Scott, Will Gregory, Simon Haram, Paul Stevens (saxophone), Paul Clarvis (drums), Liam Noble (piano), Richard Pryce (bass)