Dominic Howles' Big Birthday Septet

The music of Duke Pearson and Oliver Nelson Steve Fishwick – Trumpet Jamie O'Donell – Alto Sax Josephine Davies – Tenor Sax Mick Foster – Baritone Sax Sean Fyfe – Piano Dominic Howles – Double Bass Matt Fishwick – Drums "The calibre of musicians who are part of tonight's performance speaks volumes about its content." — Lesley Christiane Musicians love to come together to celebrate occasions with one of their tribe. Tonight we have a fabulous line-up of world-class players, out to have fun and blow your cares away on our intimate Patchworks stage. "As difficult as this music may be to play, it is incredibly easy to listen to." Dominic Howles As a highly respected and much-loved double bass player, Bristolian birthday boy Dominic Howles has played our club many times. His glittering career has led to him performing with many of the greats, including Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Tommy Chase, Jim Mullen, Stacey Kent, Blue Harlem and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain! — plus TV, radio, theatre and our most impressive jazz venues. As a composer and arranger, Dominic has produced three critically acclaimed albums, and tonight you'll hear beautiful arrangements of some well-known classics and pieces taken from Bristolian Thoroughfare, within which you'll detect influences from Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford and Christian McBride. Central to the evening's concert is Dominic's passion for the music of Duke Pearson and Oliver Nelson. Together, they are consistently cited as two of the most significant jazz voices of their generation. Their gifted lives were cut tragically short, but not before they left a wealth of stunning compositions and arrangements — many of which remain an integral part of the jazz songbook, and will be celebrated tonight. Duke Pearson (1932–1980) Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he was a talented pianist and arranger. His discography includes work with Cannonball Adderley, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Nancy Wilson, Chick Corea, Carmen McRae and Thad Jones. He became an A&R man for Blue Note, wrote numerous arrangements, and composed great songs including 'Jeannine'. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1970s and passed away in 1980, leaving an amazing catalogue of compositions and arrangements still revered today by our finest musicians and educators. Oliver Nelson (1923–1975) "Perhaps the skill he mastered most keenly was his ability to turn listeners on." Oliver Edward Nelson was a prolific American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, composer and bandleader. His 1961 Impulse! album The Blues and the Abstract Truth is regarded as one of the most significant recordings of its era, and his classic melody 'Stolen Moments' remains a favourite. During the sixties, Nelson became one of the most strongly identifiable writing voices in jazz. Schooled in both the American jazz and European music traditions, his arrangements could be intricate - but when it came time for a solo, it's clear that Nelson, himself a brilliant soloist on tenor, alto and soprano saxophone, fashioned everything as the proper set-up for the featured player. His passing in 1975 from a heart attack was largely attributed to sheer hard work and stress. He left behind an incredible musical legacy. We hope that you can join us. About Twickenham Jazz Club Established in 2003, Twickenham Jazz Club has been a cornerstone of the local jazz scene for over two decades, bringing together world-class musicians, dedicated jazz lovers, and a warm, welcoming community. More than just a venue, the club is a space where live music thrives, friendships flourish, and the magic of jazz is celebrated in its purest form. At the heart of it all is Lesley Christiane, the club’s founder and soulful driving force. A gifted jazz singer and passionate advocate for live music, Lesley curates each evening with a deep love for the art form and a keen sense of personal connection. Many of the musicians who grace the stage are not just top-tier performers but dear friends, ensuring every gig is infused with camaraderie, spontaneity, and musical brilliance. Over the years, Twickenham Jazz Club has welcomed an extraordinary lineup of artists, from legendary jazz figures to the most exciting new talents, building a reputation as one of London’s most treasured jazz venues. Audiences can expect nights filled with stunning musicianship, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable magic that happens when great music and great people come together. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz aficionado or simply looking for an inspiring night out, Twickenham Jazz Club is a place where the music moves you—and the welcome keeps you coming back.