Rod Youngs - bandleader + drums
A native of Washington D.C., Rod developed an interest and appreciation for music at an early age. This interest grew into a passion that eventually led to his studies at Howard University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Percussion. He later continued his studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. under the tutelage of Keith Copeland.
Since those formative years Rod’s consummate musicianship has garnered him a wide variety of work from concerts and recordings to sessions for radio, TV and film. He has performed/recorded with a formidable array of artists including Lee Konitz, Bennie Maupin, Jon Hendricks, Gil Scott-Heron, Chico Freeman, Hugh Masekela, Gary Crosby, Natalie Cole, Mica Paris, Denys Baptiste, Abdullah Ibrahim, BBC Concert Orchestra, Julian Joseph, Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Courtney Pine, Ronnie Laws, Jazz Jamaica All Stars, and David Murray.
In addition to performing, Rod is actively involved in music education. He has served as an instructor on the Glamorgan University jazz course and has conducted performance workshops for Southampton University, Tomorrow’s Warriors, Serious International Music Producers and The Roundhouse. He currently provides private instruction for students of all levels and ages and serves as a guest artist at the Planet Drum School and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy.
Denys Baptiste - sax
Iconic saxophone player Denys Baptiste is a keystone in the British jazz scene and a hero to the younger generation of London jazz players.
From the moment he joined the London jazz circuit, Denys displayed extraordinary talent, energy and commitment. Spotted by veteran Jazz Warriors double bassist, Gary Crosby at the bassist’s regular Tomorrow’s Warriors jam sessions, Denys was immediately invited to join Crosby’s new band, Nu Troop. Since then, Denys has soared in his development as a soloist and bandleader, earning enormous respect from his peers.
His colossal talent – based on a powerful technique and an ability to improvise fluently and effortlessly across a wide range of musical styles – is matched only by his unfettered energy which takes him and his audiences into the musical stratosphere. An evening with Denys guarantees a display of unsuppressed expression, ranging from sweet “saxuality” to breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat virtuosity. Over the years, Denys has evolved into what the Time Magazine describes as “the icon of British jazz”, with a most distinctive and immediately recognisable sound.
His album The Late Trane, recorded for Edition Records, was an internationally praised re-imaging of the late music of John Coltrane.
Artie Zaitz - guitar
Artie has been working and recording on the London and international scene for over a decade with artists such as Moses Boyd, The Banger Factory, Camilla George, Maisha, Theon Cross, Jordan Rakei and Tom Waters Electric People to name a few. Having studied jazz guitar at Trinity College of Music, Artie is also a Hammond organ aficionado and often performs on his vintage C3. You can hear him on 'Back to Back' available on Banger Factory Records (2022).
Larry Bartley - bass
Larry Bartley has become one of the most sought after bass players on the London jazz scene. He studied at Goldsmith College from 1988 - 1991 with Howard Riley and Laurence Couty giving him a wide and open outlook to the music scene. Larry Bartley's presence can be felt through his identifiable sound and through his deep commitment to music.
Larry Bartley has worked with bands led by Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Denys Baptiste,Cleveland Watkiss, Byron Wallen ,Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph, AndySheppard, Soweto Kinch, Juliet Roberts, Alex Wilson and Robert Mitchellas well as backing visiting musicians such as Stanley Turrentine and Steve Grossman. Larry Bartley has also on the stage of the Royal Opera House with dancer Sharon Wrey's.
Larry Bartley's playing is featured on many recordings by some of London's best-known jazz players.
