Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries: The Martin Speake Quartet - West Bridgford Library

Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.

His playing owes more to the West Coast ‘Cool School’ than to the 60s ideas of John Coltrane but never ignoring his Bebop roots. Subtle and original arrangements of classics as well as self-penned material.

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered and If I loved You are beautiful tunes that Martin delivers as evocative ballads on his double album Always A First Time. 

Expect to hear some of the lovely tunes that he has “dedicated to people who have been influential in my life.’ This is truly memorable music from these masterly musicians.   

Martin has a parallel career as a qualified practising nutritional therapist! Multi-talented, like many jazz musicians, he’s an internationally renowned jazz saxophonist, composer, record label founder and jazz educator. 

Martin’s musical associate Mike Outram leads an online community of over 700 guitarists who study jazz guitar & improvisation at ElectricCampfire.com.  

Drummer Jeff Williams has enjoyed a forty-year career performing alongside some of the greats of the London and New York scenes. 

Calum Gourlay is a professor of jazz bass as well as a performer and composer.  Calum, with Martin Speake and pianist Hans Koller, have performed the entire music catalogue of the legendary Thelonious Monk.

“Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent” - The Jazz Times    

Enjoy a great night of live jazz - see you there!

“An alto saxophonist who sounds only like himself.”  Dave Gelly

Watch: Martin Speake Quartet