The Matt Wates Sextet

Presented in association with Portsmouth Jazz

After the success of our opening jazz concert in September, Groundlings Theatre in association with the legendary Portsmouth Jazz is incredibly proud to welcome The Matt Wates Sextet performing the opening concert for 2023. Taking inspiration from some of the great small bands of the 50s and 60s such as those of Horace Silver and Art Blakey,

The Matt Wates Sextet features an all star line-up of world class musicians. Joining Matt are Steve Main, Martin Shaw, Malcolm Creese, Matt Home and Leon Greening who returns to Groundlings Theatre after his sensational performance with the Dave Chamberlain Quartet at our opening concert.

"This is quite simply the best British band in years" Steve Voce, Gramophone Jazz

"A seriously good band containing six of Britain's finest jazz musicians, regardless of age or style" Dave Gelly, Observer

"The future of jazz is safe with guys like this around" Barry Witherden, BBC Music Magazine

Steve Main: Tenor saxman Steve graduated with first class honours from the Royal Academy in 1995, having studied with Stan Sulzmann and Dave Liebman, amongst others. He was a member of NYJO for four years and has also played with Buddy Greco, Pee Wee Ellis, the BBC Big Band, and the New York Voices. He is a regular member of Pete Cater's band.

Martin Shaw: Sensational trumpeter Martin has played with Stan Tracey, John Dankworth, Dick Morrissey and Natalie Cole. He has also toured extensively with pop group Jamiroquai. Martin is also an excellent jazz pianist and teacher.

Leon Greening: Since his graduation from the Guildhall School of Music, Leon has been making a huge reputation for himself as a pianist on the London scene. A relatively new addition to the band, he also plays with Christian Brewer and Damon Brown. His playing shows the influence of players as diverse as Wynton Kelly, Bobby Timmons and Bill Evans.

Malcolm Creese: Internationally admired double bassist Malcolm is a former member of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth's band. Now he has his own trio, Acoustic Triangle, with Tim Garland and Gwilym Simcock. He has played with numerous star musicians such as George Benson, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, George Shearing, Lee Konitz and Sting.

Matt Home: Born in Huddersfield in 1973, drummer Matt came to London in 1999 and has worked with Barry Harris, Herb Geller, Scott Hamilton, Stacey Kent and Ken Peplowski amongst others. He was a member of Ray Gelato's band until 2010, and regularly appears with Nigel Price's award winning organ trio.